Media: Qatar eyes Türkiye’s “Steel Dome” to strengthen air defences

Qatar, having struggled to prevent Israeli attacks with its current American-made air defence systems, has officially begun evaluating the Turkish Çelik Kubbe, or “Steel Dome,” system for enhancing its defensive capabilities.

According to Yeni Şafak newspaper, statements made following a visit to Ankara by Qatar’s Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Defence, Sheikh Saud bin Abdul Rahman Al Thani, confirmed that Doha is seriously considering the ASELSAN-developed system. If adopted, the Steel Dome would address vulnerabilities in Qatar’s existing air defence, particularly at low altitudes.

Currently, Qatar relies on Patriot and NASAMS systems, which provide strong coverage at medium and long ranges. However, these systems leave significant gaps in defending against low-altitude threats, creating vulnerabilities to modern aerial attacks.

Doha is seeking a cost-effective and sovereign solution to bolster its short-range air defence capabilities. Implementing the Steel Dome would enhance Qatar’s defensive depth while ensuring full compatibility with existing US systems, enabling protection of critical infrastructure ranging from LNG terminals to air bases. The system is designed to provide a more economical and resilient layer of defence, especially against drones and cruise missile threats.

The Çelik Kubbe, or Steel Dome, is an integrated air and missile defence system developed by Türkiye’s defence giant ASELSAN. It is designed to protect against low- and medium-altitude aerial threats, including drones, rockets, and cruise missiles. 

The system can be integrated with existing defence networks to provide a layered approach, enhancing both national security and operational sovereignty.

By Tamilla Hasanova