Turkey has taken a significant step toward reinforcing its national air defense architecture by signing defense agreements totaling $6.5 billion to enhance the multi-layered integrated air defense system known as the Steel Dome. The signing ceremony, hosted by HAVELSAN, brought together key figures including President of the Defence Industry Agency (SSB) Haluk Görgün, ASELSAN and Roketsan executives, representatives of the Turkish Armed Forces, and industry leaders. The agreements mark the launch of critical projects aimed at strengthening air defense networks, advancing offensive systems, and integrating next-generation technologies into national inventory.

Speaking at the ceremony, SSB President Haluk Görgün emphasized that the transformation of Defence Industry Executive Committee (SSİK) decisions into binding contracts is proceeding rapidly and meticulously. He noted that especially in the fields of air defense and offensive weapon systems, Türkiye has achieved major progress. Görgün underlined that Roketsan and ASELSAN continue working tirelessly to upgrade existing systems while also expanding serial production for newly developed, more advanced solutions. He stated that Türkiye is now not only meeting its own operational needs but also emerging as a global exporter of advanced defense technologies.

Highlighting the importance of the Steel Dome, Görgün stressed that the system’s architecture—both its software and hardware—is entirely indigenous. The multi-layered air defense components and the integrated network structure enabling them to operate cohesively have all been developed using domestic capabilities. According to Görgün, this integrated structure significantly boosts Türkiye’s deterrence, combining defensive and offensive elements to ensure operational superiority across various threat levels.

ASELSAN General Manager Ahmet Akyol described the agreements as strategically vital for expanding high-volume production of Turkey’s air defense systems. Roketsan General Manager Murat İkinci added that serial production agreements signed during the ceremony cover a broad range of projects, including space systems, air defense platforms, anti-tank systems, and other strategic capabilities. SSB Vice President Hüseyin Avşar also remarked that these projects will provide substantial contributions to Turkey’s national security and the Turkish Armed Forces’ operational power.

With these agreements, Türkiye continues to strengthen its defense ecosystem while elevating the Steel Dome to a more strategic position regionally and globally. This milestone reflects the success of a long-term national vision centered on indigenous production, demonstrating that Türkiye has become a self-reliant and globally competitive supplier of advanced air defense technologies.