Erdogan Wants To Immediately Realize Steel Dome Air Defense Compete With Israel's Iron Dome

JAKARTA - Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan wants to immediately realize his own "Steel Dome" layered air defense system. Ankara will also increase its long-range missile capabilities.

NATO member Turkey has in recent years significantly reduced its dependence on suppliers of external defense equipment.

The country has become a leading manufacturer of armed drones for the global market and produces most of its own domestic defense needs.

"Now it is more understood how important a layered air defense system is to our security. If they (Israel) have Iron Dome, we will own Steel Dome," Erdogan said, without providing specific time limits.

"We will also improve our long-range missile capabilities during this period," he continued.

Israel's Iron Dome air defense system was built to intercept rockets fired into its territory.

The system began operating in 2011 using a truck-drawn radar-guided missile unit to detonate short-range threats such as rockets, mortars, and drones in the air.

Israel also deployed a naval version of the Iron Dome in 2017 to protect marine-based ships and assets.

This system determines whether the rocket will hit the populated area. Otherwise, the rocket will be ignored and allowed to land without harm.

The United States imposed sanctions on the Turkish defense industry in December 2020 over the acquisition of Russia's S-400 missile defense system by its NATO allies. They also removed Ankara from the F-35 stealth fighter jet program, which is the manufacturer and buyer.