President Erdogan announces Türkiye’s ‘Steel Dome’ air defense project

President Recep Tayyip Erdogan announced on Saturday that Türkiye will advance its “Steel Dome” air defense system project.

Speaking at the Air War College Commencement and Flag Handover Ceremony, Erdogan stated, “If they (Israel) have the Iron Dome, we will also have the Steel Dome.”

Erdogan highlighted Türkiye’s growing influence in unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) technology, noting that the country’s advancements are garnering global attention.

“The momentum we have gained in unmanned aerial vehicles is being watched with envy not only by our friendly and brotherly nations but across the world,” he said.

He also reiterated Türkiye’s commitment to enhancing its military capabilities. “We are working to manufacture, develop, or procure whatever our Air Force requires, from missiles to air defense systems,” Erdogan added.

Reflecting on regional developments, Erdogan emphasized the significance of Türkiye’s defense industry advancements over the past 22 years.

He also underscored the need to neutralize separatist threats, asserting, “Türkiye will ensure that separatists are no longer a source of threat to our nation and our Iraqi brothers and sisters.”