Unsung champions: Türkiye’s electronic warfare systems leading the charge in modern conflicts PHOTO

As modern warfare evolves, electronic warfare (EW) has emerged as a critical and unseen force, shaping defence strategies and military outcomes.

The recent article by Daily Sabah emphasizes that Türkiye, with its forward-thinking approach, is at the forefront of this transformation, developing advanced EW systems that are redefining its defence posture and setting new standards for military capabilities, per Caliber.Az.

Beyond its renowned combat drones and conventional platforms, Türkiye's military success relies heavily on EW systems designed for cross-border counterterrorism and military operations. Utilizing jamming, deception, and rapid response capabilities, these homegrown technologies have proven effective in real-world conflicts. From Syria to Libya, northern Iraq to Karabakh, Türkiye’s EW systems have demonstrated their impact on the battlefield.

Recognizing the growing significance of EW in modern warfare, Türkiye has made it a priority to develop these capabilities over the past decade. Haluk Görgün, head of the Presidency of Defense Industries (SSB), emphasized the strategic advantage of EW in future conflicts, saying, “We observe how the use of electronic warfare-resistant communication devices can be superior, and how fast-moving forces can create devastating effects.”

While traditional combat power has long dominated battlefield strategies, the importance of electronic systems has grown immensely. For Türkiye, a country that has faced long-standing regional threats and terrorism, building a robust domestic defence industry has been crucial to its security. Key to this development are systems like KORAL, VURAL (REDET-II), and SERHAT, which have proven instrumental in neutralizing enemy radars and enhancing battlefield efficiency.

For over 25 years, Türkiye has been engaged in military operations to neutralize threats and prevent the establishment of terror corridors along its borders with Iraq and Syria. These operations have showcased the effectiveness of Türkiye’s indigenous EW systems, which play a central role in securing operational success.

Ahmet Alemdar, co-founder of Defense Türk and a defence industry expert, highlights Türkiye’s remarkable EW capability, saying, “There are few countries, even in NATO, that have developed such a wide range of land-based EW systems, including the US, Russia, and China.” He also predicts that AI-powered EW systems, integrated into unmanned platforms, will play a more prominent role in future warfare.

Looking to the future, Türkiye is placing significant emphasis on research and development (R&D) in EW. Alemdar noted that utilizing satellite platforms for EW will offer Türkiye a strategic advantage in global operations, making it an essential element of the country's space strategy.

KORAL

Developed by Aselsan, KORAL is a land-based EW system designed to provide electronic support and attack capabilities. It specializes in intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance (ISR), offering high sensitivity and wide frequency coverage. The system's rapid response time enables it to counter hostile radar systems effectively, playing a pivotal role in the success of Turkish military operations. KORAL was instrumental in Operation Spring Shield in Syria, where it disabled Russian-made Pantsir S-1 air defense systems, enabling Turkish drones to strike with precision. KORAL also played a crucial role in Azerbaijan’s Karabakh conflict, where it worked seamlessly with Turkish Bayraktar TB2 drones.

VURAL

VURAL is a dual-component EW system that excels in identifying radar parameters and executing advanced jamming and deception techniques. With its wide frequency coverage and rapid response capabilities, it has been vital in Türkiye's cross-border operations. Professor Feridun Taşdan highlights the importance of VURAL during operations in Idlib, Syria, noting its role in providing real-time signals intelligence to ensure safe drone operations in contested airspaces.

SERHAT

Developed by Aselsan, SERHAT is a radar system designed to detect and track mortar fire with 360-degree scanning capabilities. Used extensively in anti-terror operations, SERHAT has significantly reduced casualties by aiding countermeasures and assisting in the targeting of enemy forces. The system has been particularly effective in operations like Euphrates Shield and Olive Branch, contributing to the neutralization of over 10,000 terrorists and the liberation of 4,000 square kilometres of territory.

While Türkiye’s EW systems like KORAL, VURAL, and SERHAT have strengthened its military and provided strategic advantages, the country faces challenges in keeping pace with regional and global rivals in electronic warfare. The US leads in investment and development, while countries like China, Russia, and Iran have made significant strides in their own EW capabilities. Russia, in particular, has demonstrated advanced electronic warfare tactics, especially in its conflicts with Ukraine and Syria, making it a formidable competitor.

For Türkiye, maintaining and enhancing its EW capabilities is crucial. These systems not only provide a tactical advantage but also offer the ability to shape future battlefields by dominating the electronic environment. Türkiye’s continued investment in EW research and development, particularly in AI and satellite-based platforms, will be key to maintaining its strategic edge.

In the coming years, the integration of EW systems into land, air, and sea platforms, along with advancements in satellite technology, will ensure that Türkiye remains at the forefront of modern military innovation. As control over the electronic spectrum becomes an essential component of warfare, Türkiye’s domestic defence industry, with its focus on EW, is poised to play a central role in shaping the future of global defence strategy.

By Tamilla Hasanova