Ankara has signed a 1.6-billion-euro ($1.9 billion) contract with defense giant Aselsan to strengthen its national air defense capability. The agreement calls for the delivery of modern systems between 2027 and 2031, reflecting Turkey’s growing emphasis on developing indigenous technologies for critical military needs.
The deal forms part of the broader “Steel Dome” initiative, Turkey’s effort to create a homegrown air and missile defense network. Aselsan, selected as the lead contractor, will oversee the program, which aligns with Ankara’s push to boost defense exports, expand domestic production, and cut dependency on imported systems.
Air defense remains a key priority for Turkey, particularly after difficulties in securing Western-made solutions in the wake of its purchase of Russia’s S-400 surface-to-air missile system. That decision strained relations with NATO allies and highlighted the importance of self-reliance in key defense sectors.
To support the Steel Dome effort, Turkey announced a $1.5 billion investment earlier this year to establish what officials claim will be Europe’s largest air defense production center. In August, Aselsan delivered 47 critical system components to the Turkish Armed Forces, marking an early milestone toward achieving full operational capability under the initiative.
