Aselsan logo

Multi-Layered Protection:
ASELSAN's advanced air defense capabilities

PDF icon Download article as PDF

KORKUT

KORKUT

Modern battlefields are increasingly shaped by aerial threats, from sophisticated cruise missiles to swarming unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs). As adversaries develop faster, more agile, and harder-to-detect airborne systems, air defense technology must evolve to keep pace. Today's defense forces require integrated, responsive and adaptable solutions to safeguard critical assets and ensure airspace security.

ASELSAN, as the primary provider of Türkiye's indigenous multilayered air defense system Steel Dome, has been at the forefront of addressing these challenges with innovative air defense solutions. Through extensive research and development, the company has developed advanced systems designed to protect against modern airborne threats.

These solutions integrate cutting-edge radar, electro-optical tracking, and automated decision-support technologies, enabling superior detection, tracking and engagement capabilities.

SAHIN

SAHIN

Consisting of sensors, interceptors, and command and control systems, ASELSAN offers a comprehensive approach to modern air defense.

  • On the sensor front, ASELSAN has early warning radars, infrared search and track (IRST) systems, and electronic support systems, providing real-time detection and situational awareness. ALP radar family, with a detection range of up to 650 km, has been successfully integrated into the inventory, offering enhanced capabilities for long-range threat identification.
  • On the interceptor front, with products ranging from counter-drone solutions like İHTAR and ŞAHİN to high-altitude air defense systems such as SİPER and HİSAR, multi-layered protection against aerial threats is ensured. İHTAR 100 counter-UAV system and ŞAHİN 130/40GL hard-kill system are effective anti-drone solutions, aiming to neutralize mini and micro UAV threats in urban and rural environments. In the very short range, KORKUT 150/35 air defense system stands out for its effectiveness in the air defense of mechanized troops and mobile units.
  • On the command and control front, AI-based command and control network serves as the backbone of air defense systems, ensuring seamless coordination and rapid decision-making across all layers of defense. At this point, HERİKKS 600 air defense early warning and C4I system provides effective management of the air defense activities on tactical and operational level.

These systems go beyond just protection; they set new benchmarks in efficiency, adaptability, and seamless integration for today's evolving threats.

İHTAR 100: Advanced Anti-Drone System

IHTAR 100

IHTAR 100

ASELSAN's İHTAR 100 is an advanced anti-drone system designed to counter mini and micro UAV threats in urban and rural environments. It ensures the security of critical facilities, borders, and large public events with its adaptable design, compatible with both stationary and vehicle-mounted platforms. Multiple systems can operate jointly to provide a robust air defense solution.

The system features a portable Ku-band pulsed Doppler radar that detects and tracks multiple UAVs with high accuracy while the Track-While-Scan (TWS) mode and automatic target classification minimize false alarms. Its electro-optic capabilities include TV and thermal cameras for long-range threat recognition and automatic video tracking. İHTAR 100 employs programmable jamming frequencies to disrupt UAV communications, GPS signals, and swarm attacks, with support for both directional and omnidirectional jamming.

Designed for 24/7 functionality, İHTAR 100 operates in all weather conditions and includes a built-in self-test (BIT) system. Its open-architecture design allows integration with ASELSAN's GÖKBERK Mobile Laser Weapon System, ŞAHİN 40mm air defense system, and various caliber weapon systems for a layered defense strategy.

The system's command and control unit provides centralized air defense through GIS-based monitoring, alarm zones, and filtering mechanisms. It employs sensor fusion and auto-tracking to evaluate threats, assign countermeasures, and generate a real-time air picture. Decision support algorithms of İHTAR 100 help prioritize threats and allocate effectors for an optimal response.

HERIKKS

HERIKKS

İHTAR 100 also supports dynamic spoofing, acoustic drone detection, and direction-finding subsystems. Its web-based software ensures easy monitoring and operation with minimal operator intervention and the system meets military standards, making it a powerful solution for modern air defense against evolving drone threats.

ŞAHİN 40mm: Protection Against Airborne Threats

ASELSAN's ŞAHİN 40mm Air Defense System is designed to provide effective protection against mini/micro UAVs and airborne threats. With its remote-controlled operation, high-precision electro-optics, and advanced fire control algorithms, ŞAHİN ensures short-range air defense for critical infrastructure, border security, and military bases.

The system features a two-axis high-accuracy stabilized gimbal with advanced electro-optics for automatic target detection and tracking and its computer-controlled fire control system enhances precision against land and air targets. ŞAHİN utilizes 40mm ATOM Airburst Ammunition, providing high effectiveness against UAV threats with an effective range of 700 meters.

ASELSAN designed ŞAHİN for all-weather, day-and-night operation, with TV and thermal cameras for continuous surveillance, and its modular system architecture ensures easy transport and installation. The system supports high stabilization performance, ensuring accuracy on moving platforms, and features an advanced graphical user interface for both automatic and manual operation. ŞAHİN is ideal for applications such as critical infrastructure protection, border security, low-altitude air defense, and defense against highly maneuverable UAVs.

KORKUT 150/35: Mobile Air Defense for Mechanized Units

ASELSAN's KORKUT 150/35 Air Defense System is designed to provide highly effective air defense for mechanized troops and mobile units. With its stabilized and unmanned gun turret, KORKUT 150/35 offers firing-on-the-move capability, ensuring protection in dynamic battlefield conditions. The system is optimized for countering modern air threats, including air-to-ground missiles, cruise missiles, and UAVs.

A key feature of KORKUT 150/35 is its ability to fire ATOM 35mm Airburst Amsmunition, developed by ASELSAN, in addition to conventional 35mm rounds. This significantly enhances ground-based air defense effectiveness by increasing the probability of neutralizing high-speed airborne threats.

The system includes a command and control vehicle that manages multiple KORKUT Gun Systems for an integrated defense approach. It utilizes a 3D search radar for high-precision threat detection and tracking, along with advanced threat evaluation and weapon assignment algorithms. The system is equipped with an integrated Identification Friend or Foe (IFF) system to prevent friendly fire incidents and can seamlessly operate in coordination with higher-echelon command and control (C2) units and other air defense systems.

KORKUT 150/35 features dual 35mm autocannons with a rapid-fire rate of 2 x 550 rounds per minute, ensuring high-impact engagement. The system is effective against multiple threats, including fixed-wing and rotary-wing aircraft, cruise missiles, air-to-ground missiles, and UAVs. Its stabilized turret ensures accurate targeting while in motion, and the integrated fire control radar and electro-optical (E/O) sensors enhance tracking accuracy.

With its advanced fire control and tracking systems, KORKUT 150/35 ensures round-the-clock operational capability. Designed for seamless integration with armored mechanized units, it provides high mobility and rapid response capabilities, making it a vital component of modern air defense.

HERİKKS 600: Advanced Command and Control for Air Defense

Designed to manage air defense activities at both tactical and operational levels, ASELSAN's HERİKKS 600 is a sophisticated C4I system that integrates seamlessly with all air defense systems in the field. It also serves as a primary command and control system for critical locations such as bases, ports, and strategic facilities. By combining data from associated air defense and early warning radars, it delivers real-time air picture generation, enhancing situational awareness for operators.

To ensure rapid and effective threat response, the system utilizes advanced Threat Evaluation and Weapon Allocation algorithms, intelligently matching the most suitable weaponry to each target. Actively operational since 2001, it has been continuously upgraded with the latest technologies to maintain its cutting-edge capabilities.

Interoperability is a core strength of HERİKKS 600, enabling seamless coordination with various air defense platforms and command networks. Supporting both wired and wireless communication infrastructures, along with tactical data link connections, its open, scalable, and distributed architecture ensures adaptability for evolving operational needs—making it a cornerstone of modern air defense strategies.

The system was used successfully in the NATO Coalition Warrior Interoperability Exercise (CWIX) 2024 held in Bydgoszcz, Poland.

Upcoming Events
Contributors
MVS eBook
Click here for MVS FREE eBook