Steel Dome, Turkey’s new air defence system, is positioned as a competitor to Israel’s Iron Dome. An innovative AI-based concept.
The Steel Dome, recently unveiled by Turkey, represents a significant advance in modern air defence systems. Designed to rival Israel’s famous Iron Dome, this multi-layered defence system is based on a network-centric architecture and features advanced artificial intelligence capabilities. Developed by a consortium of Turkish companies, Steel Dome aims to protect Turkish airspace against a wide range of threats, from drones to ballistic missiles, covering all altitudes and distances. This initiative comes against a backdrop of growing tensions in the Middle East, where air defence has become crucial.
A multi-layered defence system based on artificial intelligence
The Steel Dome (or Çelik Kubbe in Turkish) is an innovative response to the air defence challenges facing Turkey and other countries in the Middle East. This defence system is designed to protect the whole of Turkish airspace against threats ranging from low-altitude drones to high-altitude ballistic missiles. Unlike traditional systems that rely on isolated components, Steel Dome takes a ‘system of systems’ approach by integrating various technologies into a single architecture.
One of the most striking features of this system is its use of artificial intelligence to improve threat detection, tracking and interception. AI enables Steel Dome to analyse data from multiple sensors in real time, optimising the system’s responsiveness to simultaneous attacks from different sources. For example, the integration of AI can reduce response time by several seconds, which can be decisive in close combat situations.
Technical analysis of Steel Dome components
The Steel Dome comprises several defence systems, including HiSAR, SiPER, and GURZ, which are interconnected via the RADNET radar link management system and controlled by the HAKiM air command system. Each of these sub-systems is specialised in a particular area of air defence. For example, HiSAR is designed to intercept short- and medium-range targets, while SiPER is intended for longer-range threats. The GURZ, meanwhile, is a close-in defence system against very short-range threats.
These systems work in synergy to create an extensive and adaptable defence cover, capable of dealing with a variety of threats. The use of T-link, a local satellite technology, also improves coordination between the different elements of the system, guaranteeing continuous and reliable protection of Turkish airspace.
Potential consequences of the introduction of Steel Dome
The introduction of Steel Dome could have significant geopolitical implications, particularly in the Middle East. At a time when the region is experiencing a proliferation of air threats, particularly with the increased use of drones and ballistic missiles, Turkey could attract the interest of its neighbours, notably the Gulf states, which are looking to strengthen their own air defences.
In economic terms, the development of Steel Dome could also strengthen Turkey’s defence industry, boosting the country’s arms exports. Turkey, which has already demonstrated its capabilities in the field of military drones, could establish itself as a key player in the global market for air defence systems. In 2023, the Turkish defence industry generated exports worth €4.4 billion, a figure that could grow with the potential export of the Steel Dome to other countries.
Comparison with the Israeli Iron Dome
Compared with Israel’s Iron Dome, which has been field-proven for over a decade, the Steel Dome is still in the conceptual development phase. The Iron Dome, which has been operational since 2011, has intercepted thousands of rockets with a success rate of over 90%. Steel Dome, on the other hand, still has to go through testing and verification phases before it can be deployed.
However, Steel Dome has the advantage of being designed with the latest technologies, incorporating AI capabilities that could eventually surpass those of Iron Dome. In addition, the multi-layered approach and the potential for integrating new technologies, such as laser weapons, could offer Turkey greater flexibility and effectiveness in protecting its territory.
Future prospects and challenges
The success of Steel Dome will largely depend on Turkey’s ability to complete the tests and finalise the development of the system within the planned timeframe. At the same time, the installation of this system in a complex geopolitical context could provoke reactions from other regional powers. The development of Steel Dome also comes at a time when defence technology is evolving rapidly, with constant innovations in cyber defence, directed energy weapons and artificial intelligence.
Although Steel Dome represents a major step forward for Turkey, its success will depend on the country’s ability to overcome the technical and geopolitical challenges that lie ahead. If these challenges are overcome, the Steel Dome could not only strengthen Turkey’s national defence, but also reposition Turkey as a key player in the global air defence arena.
War Wings Daily is an independant magazine.