President of Defence Industries Görgün Shares Strategic Structure of the “Iron Dome” for the First Time with SAHA Istanbul
President of Defence Industries Prof. Dr. Haluk Görgün shared for the first time in detail Turkey’s indigenous and national air defence system “Çelik Kubbe” (Iron Dome) and its artificial intelligence-supported command and control architecture during the SAHA SOHBET broadcast.
Prof. Dr. Haluk Görgün, President of Defence Industries, stated that the previously mentioned multi-layered air defence system has been officially named “Çelik Kubbe” and shared the details of its AI-supported command and control architecture for the first time during the “SAHA SOHBET” broadcast.
In his statement evaluating Turkey’s defence industry vision, Prof. Dr. Haluk Görgün clearly named the structure of the multi-layered air defence system as “Çelik Kubbe.” He explained that this name was officially adopted during the Defence Industry Executive Committee meeting on August 6, 2024. Görgün emphasised that the system consists not only of defence components but also of a strategic AI-supported command and control architecture.
Görgün highlighted that the “Iron Dome” concept is not merely a technical system but a strategic defence doctrine:
“Çelik Kubbe symbolises coordinated rather than simultaneous action; it stands for integrated rather than simply collective operation. The system can detect threats from the farthest range and eliminate them rapidly with the help of an AI-supported decision-making mechanism.”
According to Görgün’s description, the system integrates SİPER (long range), HİSAR O and O+ (medium range), HİSAR A and A+ (short range), KORKUT, and SUNGUR into a unified command and control network. Radars, electro-optical sensors, jammers, and laser systems are also integrated within this structure.
A Shared Air Picture Powered by AI
At the core of the Iron Dome lies the command and control structure, which enables all air defence elements to communicate through a shared air picture. This setup relies not only on human decisions but also on AI-based algorithms to detect and respond to threats. According to Görgün, once a threat is detected, the system determines the most appropriate response through decision-support mechanisms and ensures timely communication to the relevant unit.
The Power of Domestic Integration
The entire system is composed of domestically developed and nationally produced components. Emphasising that this greatly simplifies the integration process, Görgün said,
“If we had purchased all these systems from different countries, interoperability would pose a significant engineering challenge. But we are combining systems that come from the same engineering culture.”
Strategic Transformation in the Defence Ecosystem
Görgün’s remarks reveal not only a technical system but also an ecosystem-based transformation in Turkey’s defence industry approach. The vertical-horizontal integration strategy covering all layers—from subcontractors to university labs—centres on not just local production but also sustainability, financial resilience, and export potential.
Görgün reminded that main integrator companies in air defence systems work with hundreds of subcontractors and noted that mechanisms like the 21% SME obligation and 2% localisation share are critical for the sustainability of this structure.
Preparing for the Future: 6th Generation and Beyond
The vision of the Presidency of Defence Industries includes not only current systems but also next-generation platforms suited for future combat environments. Görgün stated that they are working on
“a combat concept where sensor fusion is at the core, and manned and unmanned systems operate in an integrated manner with AI support.”
In addition to developing platforms such as KIZILELMA, ANKA-3, HÜRJET, and KAAN, intense efforts are underway to develop operational algorithms enabling these systems to act together.
Export and NATO Vision
Görgün stated that defence industry exports reached $7.1 billion in 2023, and are expected to exceed $8.5 billion by the end of 2024. He also emphasised that more than 50% of these exports are made to NATO and EU countries.
He noted that a special directorate for NATO relations has been established under the Presidency of Defence Industries, and that Turkey directly contributes to NATO’s future visions such as “Multi-Domain Operations” and the “Innovation Continuum.”
Not Just Systems—We’re Producing Strategy
Görgün’s statements show that Turkey’s defence industry approach is not limited to product development, but also includes producing strategy, managing integration, and guiding international networks. “Çelik Kubbe” stands out as both the symbol and the key of this transformation.
© AeroHaber.com / Mevlüt Zor – mevlutzorr@gmail.com
