ASELSAN and the Secretariat of Defence Industries (SSB) have signed a EUR 523 million contract for the development of a next-generation air and missile defense system. The agreement, announced through the Public Disclosure Platform, represents a significant milestone in Turkey's defense sector.

ASELSAN has been a leading defense electronics and systems integration company since 1975, specializing in critical technologies including radar systems, communications solutions, electronic warfare systems, and missile guidance platforms. In the air defense domain, ASELSAN has established itself through the HİSAR-A+ and HİSAR-O+ systems, which form the backbone of Turkish Armed Forces' air defense infrastructure. The company's research and development capacity plays a crucial role in designing and manufacturing next-generation systems.

Next-generation air and missile defense systems are integral to multi-layered air defense concepts. Such systems must possess the capability to detect, track, and neutralize threats across low, medium, and high altitude ranges. Radar technology, signal processing, target tracking algorithms, and guidance systems form the foundation of system performance. The contract will enable the development of a system that enhances the capabilities of the existing HİSAR family and strengthens the Turkish Armed Forces' air defense capacity.

Turkish defense industry has achieved significant progress in air defense systems over the past two decades. The HİSAR-A+ system operates as an effective short-to-medium range platform with a range of 36 kilometers against low-altitude threats. The new contract builds upon these achievements, targeting the development of more advanced capability systems. Increasing localization rates and expanding the use of national technology enhance the strategic importance of such projects. SSB's collaboration with ASELSAN reinforces Turkey's independence and technological sovereignty in the defense sector.

Globally, air defense systems are developed in accordance with NATO standards. For instance, the NASAMS system, operated by Germany and the Netherlands, provides an effective solution against medium-range threats. Israel's David's Sling system is designed as a multi-purpose platform against ballistic missiles and aircraft. Turkey's next-generation system is being developed to offer capabilities comparable to these international examples. Additionally, from an export perspective, it could become an attractive solution for regional allies and NATO member states.