Turkey Announces Completion of Layered Air Defense System

Turkey has officially completed its national layered air defense system with the integration of the Siper Product-1 long-range missile system into the Turkish Armed Forces' inventory, following the completion of serial production acceptance tests.

Developed by ASELSAN, ROKETSAN, and TÜBİTAK SAGE under the Presidency of Defense Industries (SSB), Siper is designed to intercept fighter jets, ballistic missiles, cruise missiles, and drones at ranges exceeding 100 kilometers, reportedly reaching up to 150 kilometers.

Siper completes the upper layer of Turkey’s “Steel Dome” air defense network. This structure already includes HİSAR-A (short range) and HİSAR-O (medium range), supported by early warning systems like EIRS and networked through advanced command-and-control infrastructure.

Siper’s radar and guidance systems enable it to track and engage multiple high-speed targets simultaneously. Designed for interoperability, it closes the high-altitude gap and enables a seamless defense structure across low, medium, and high altitudes.

Initiated in 2018, the Siper program is part of Turkey’s broader strategy to reduce reliance on foreign defense systems. By 2021, prototype tests were underway, validating its propulsion, radar, and guidance technologies.

The system is seen as a counterpart to global long-range defenses like the Patriot and S-400, marking Turkey’s entrance into this domain with a fully indigenous platform.

Looking ahead, the SSB and its partners are expected to develop enhanced variants of Siper, with improvements in range, countermeasures, and possible integration of AI. The system also lays the foundation for future programs in hypersonic defense and space-based early warning.