Istanbul, July 24, 2025 – The Europe Today: Turkish defense firm Aselsan has unveiled a suite of advanced technologies developed for integration into Türkiye’s multi-layered Steel Dome air defense architecture, during the 17th International Defense Industry Fair (IDEF 2025) held this week in Istanbul.
Speaking at the event on Tuesday, Aselsan CEO Ahmet Akyol introduced several cutting-edge systems, including the newly developed Ejderha, an electromagnetic air defense system designed to neutralize aerial threats such as swarm and kamikaze drones. “We are showcasing the electromagnetic shield of the Steel Dome for the first time on the international stage,” Akyol stated. “This technology physically disables electronic circuits of air vehicles within a range of approximately one kilometer.”
The Ejderha system operates using high-power electronic waves, while an upgraded version of Aselsan’s well-known Koral electronic warfare system was also introduced. Akyol explained that the new Koral delivers nearly double the performance of its predecessor by jamming and scrambling enemy radar, effectively clearing paths for Turkish aircraft and unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs).
In addition, Akyol announced the development of the Turan system, an artificial intelligence (AI)-powered network designed to connect and coordinate all elements of the multi-layered air defense infrastructure. Another major reveal was the Gurz, an autonomous missile defense platform built as an unmanned ground vehicle (UGV) to intercept short-range aerial threats, including fixed-wing and rotary-wing aircraft.
Further enhancing Türkiye’s defensive capabilities, the new Goktan technology was introduced as a land-based missile system integrating guided munition capabilities. This system enables precision engagement of airborne targets from ground-based launchers without relying on airborne delivery platforms.
Highlighting the strategic importance of these innovations, Akyol noted that Aselsan’s contributions to the Steel Dome system are aligned with NATO’s air defense architecture, reinforcing Türkiye’s interoperability and technological standing within the alliance.
The firm emphasized that the Goktan precision strike system offers high accuracy under all conditions, with resilience against Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS) jamming. Meanwhile, Koral 200, the latest Koral variant, will neutralize enemy air defenses, and Ejderha will provide electromagnetic counter-drone capabilities. The Turan system will ensure secure, encrypted connectivity, while Gurz will act as a mobile shield against aerial threats.
IDEF 2025, now in its 17th edition, is a six-day exhibition organized by KFA Fairs with the support of Türkiye’s Defense Industries Secretariat and the Turkish Armed Forces Foundation. Anadolu Agency serves as the event’s global communications partner.
