Türkiye strengthens air defence with Siper Blok-1 deployment With a strike range beyond 100 km

Türkiye has deployed the Siper Blok-1, a key component of its multi-layered air and missile defence system known as the Steel Dome.

This advanced air defence system is the fourth and final stage in Türkiye's comprehensive air defence framework, Caliber.Az reports, citing Turkish media.

With a strike range exceeding 100 kilometres, Siper Blok-1 is designed to intercept a variety of airborne threats, including enemy aircraft, ballistic missiles, and aviation rockets.

The system represents a significant achievement for Türkiye's defence industry and serves as an analogue to the American Patriot and Russian S-400 systems.

This deployment marks a historic milestone for Türkiye, elevating its air defence capabilities to a new level.

Notably, Türkiye’s Defence Industry Executive Committee, chaired by President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan, approved the Steel Dome Project. This ambitious initiative aims to create a cohesive network of multi-layered domestic air defence systems, incorporating sensors, weapons, and real-time data transfer under a unified network structure. Cutting-edge artificial intelligence (AI) technologies will be embedded within the system to support decision-makers with real-time insights.

The project’s development is being led by Aselsan, Türkiye’s leading defence electronics manufacturer. Other prominent defence companies are also involved, including Roketsan, renowned for producing unguided rockets and guided missiles; TÜBITAK Defense Industries Research and Development Institute (SAGE); and the Machine and Chemical Industry (MKE), a major manufacturer of small arms, artillery, and ammunition, according to Haluk Görgün, head of the Presidency of Defence Industries (SSB).

The first layer of the defence system, which will cover a maximum range of 10 kilometres (6.21 miles) and an altitude of up to 5 kilometres, will feature various air defence options developed by Aselsan. These include systems such as Korkut, Gökberk, Şahin, Göker, Ihtar, and Sungur.

For the low-altitude layer, covering ranges from 5 to 10 kilometres, Türkiye will deploy systems like Herikks, C-Ram, Hisar A+, Gökdemir, and Gürz. The medium-altitude layer, spanning 10 to 15 kilometres, is expected to integrate Kalkan 1, Kalkan 2, and Hisar O+.

The Steel Dome Project represents Türkiye’s continued commitment to strengthening its defence infrastructure with indigenous technology, as it seeks to establish a resilient, multi-tiered air defence shield.

By Aghakazim Guliyev