Turkey Unveils 'DRONEDEF' System to Neutralize Drone Threats
Translated from Turkish, summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.
At a glance
- Turkey has deployed a new generation of defense systems, codenamed 'DRONEDEF,' designed to counter drone threats.
- The DRONEDEF system includes various technologies such as laser weapons, particle ammunition, and electronic warfare capabilities.
- During recent tests, DRONEDEF successfully neutralized multiple drone targets, including swarms, in various scenarios, observed by international delegations and media.
Turkey has unveiled a new suite of counter-drone systems, collectively named 'DRONEDEF,' aimed at combating the escalating threat posed by unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs). Developed by ASELSAN, the system integrates a range of technologies designed for detection, electronic warfare, and direct neutralization of drones.
The DRONEDEF package comprises several advanced components. These include the IHTAR system for detection and soft kill/electronic warfare, the GรKBERK laser weapon system, the KORKUT system utilizing particle ammunition, the GรKALP autonomous interceptor drone, and the EJDERHA high-power electromagnetic system. Additionally, the SHAHIN LITE and SHAHIN DUAL systems offer particle ammunition and conventional weaponry, while the MIฤFER provides self-defense against kamikaze drones.
ASELSAN has created a countermeasure set named 'DRONEDEF' that includes a series of systems based on different technologies for mini and micro UAVs.
During recent demonstrations at the Gรถlbek Test Center, the DRONEDEF systems were put to the test in realistic scenarios. International delegations and members of the international press witnessed firsthand as multiple drone targets, including coordinated swarm attacks, were effectively neutralized. The tests showcased the system's ability to detect, track, and destroy threats with speed and precision.
In the activity where IHTAR, EJDERHA, and GรKBERK systems from DRONEDEF were used, targets determined in 3 different scenarios were neutralized.
In one scenario, a swarm of approaching drones was detected by the IHTAR system. Two drones were eliminated within seconds, while remaining threats were handed off to hard-kill subsystems like EJDERHA and GรKBERK. These systems then engaged and neutralized the drones once they entered their effective range.
The IHTAR system, in particular, is highlighted as an AI-supported counter-measure. It combines AESA radar technology, advanced image processing algorithms, and programmable FPV jamming capabilities to provide early detection and high-accuracy identification of mini and micro UAV threats in both urban and rural environments. The successful deployment of DRONEDEF marks a significant advancement in Turkey's defense capabilities against modern aerial threats.
IHTAR is noteworthy as a countermeasure system developed by ASELSAN to neutralize mini/micro UAV threats in urban and rural environments with artificial intelligence support.
Originally published by Sabah in Turkish. Translated, summarized, and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.