Turkey has signed a €1.6 billion ($1.9 billion) contract with Aselsan to deliver advanced air defense systems to its armed forces.
The agreement follows Ankara’s decision to appoint Aselsan as the lead contractor for the “Steel Dome” initiative, a program to build a domestic air and missile defense network. Deliveries are planned between 2027 and 2031.
The contract underscores Turkey’s intent to strengthen its defense industry, boost exports, and reduce reliance on foreign suppliers. Air defense remains a national priority, particularly after difficulties in acquiring Western systems following Turkey’s purchase of Russia’s S-400 missiles in 2017, which strained NATO ties.
Earlier this year, Ankara pledged $1.5 billion to develop a Steel Dome production hub, expected to become Europe’s largest air defense facility. In August, the program achieved a milestone with the delivery of 47 key air defense components to the Turkish Armed Forces.
