Turkey’s leading defense company Roketsan is taking a major step toward next-generation air defense with its AI and machine learning-powered “Steel Dome” project. Speaking at the 4th Global Strategies in Defense and Aviation Conference held in Belek, Antalya, Roketsan General Manager Murat İkinci stated that Steel Dome will serve as a fully integrated, multi-layered air defense system combining the capabilities of Turkey’s entire defense ecosystem.

Developed in collaboration with TÜBİTAK, ASELSAN, and MKE, the Steel Dome project brings together cutting-edge missile, radar, and command systems into a single operational network. “Steel Dome will integrate systems ranging from SUNGUR to the SİPER family, covering an interception range from 0 to 150 kilometers. It will be enhanced with artificial intelligence and machine learning to autonomously analyze threats and deliver optimized countermeasures in real-time,” İkinci explained. He emphasized that Roketsan is working intensively to field the system as soon as possible.

Highlighting Roketsan’s remarkable performance in 2024, İkinci noted that the company achieved over 30% growth in dollar-based terms, significantly exceeding its targets. “Roketsan has become one of the world’s top 100 defense companies, and our goal is to reach the top 50,” he said. The company’s export growth has been driven by increasing demand in the Asia-Pacific, Middle East, and NATO markets, where new major contracts are on the horizon.

İkinci also provided updates on Roketsan’s missile programs, noting that the range of the Kara Atmaca land-based cruise missile has been significantly extended, while the TAYFUN ballistic missile is already in serial production. “Turkey is entering a new era in missile technology, one where we will stand ahead of many global players,” he added.

With its fusion of AI, machine learning, and layered defense capabilities, the Steel Dome project is poised to elevate Turkey’s air defense to new heights and strengthen its position as a rising force in global defense innovation.