Aselsan has demonstrated its integrated Drone Defense System (DRONDEF), showcasing the coordination of İHTAR Counter UAV System, Gökberk Laser Weapon System and Ejderha High-Power Microwave Weapon System against mini- and micro-UAV threats.
The demonstration validated the effectiveness of a layered defence approach, combining advanced detection, soft-kill, and hard-kill capabilities within the lowest tier of Türkiye’s Steel Dome air defence architecture.
Aselsan has showcased its counter-UAV capabilities during a two-day live demonstration in Ankara. Attended by Turkish and international media representatives, as well as delegations from 20 countries, the event highlighted, the company claims, its ability to detect, track, and neutralise multiple UAV threats in a coordinated operational scenario.
The demonstration featured wirelessly controlled drones, fibre-optic-controlled drones, and drones operating in swarm formations, all of which were detected and tracked through Aselsan's integrated command-and-control architecture.
Aselsan's DRONDEF is an AI-Supported Integrated Anti-UAV System. The DRONEDEF System which, according to the company, can neutralise mini/micro UAV threats, has a detection range of 10 km and consists of physical and functional destruction of subsystems with a layered structure. DRONEDEF consists of the following subsystems:
- İHTAR – Counter-UAV System (Detection and Soft Kill)
- Gökberk 5/10 Kw – Lazer Weapon system
- Korkut 25 –25 mm Airburst Weapon System
- Gökalp – Autonomous Interceptor Drone
- Ejderha AD – HPEM
- Şahin Lite – 40/12.7/7.62 mm Airburst Weapon System
- Şahin Dual 12.7 mm + 40/7.62 mm Airburst Weapon System
- Miğfer –Self Defence Counter FPV System
All subsystems can be managed from a single Command and Control Center. The DRONEDEF system provides protection against mini/micro UAV threats with its mobile and integrated configurations in the areas of protection of critical facilities, convoy protection, and self-defence.
During the demonstration, the scenario began with two fibre-optic-controlled drones approaching the systems in a swarm formation. Detected and classified by İHTAR Counter-UAV System integrated with Aselsan's Aura 200-G Multifunctional Surveillance Radar, the threats were automatically assessed by the Drone Defense Operation Center and assigned to Ejderha High Power Microwave Weapon System, which neutralised both targets using its directed-energy capability.
The demonstration then continued with two wirelessly controlled drones approaching different directions, simulating a complex and dynamic threat environment.
Following their detection and classification, İHTAR employed its soft-kill capabilities to effectively disrupt and neutralise both threats before they could reach critical engagement ranges. In the final phase of the scenario, a fibre-optic-controlled drone was launched toward the defended area to demonstrate the system’s hard-kill capabilities.
After being detected and classified through the integrated architecture, the target was assigned to Gökberk Laser Weapon System, which successfully acquired, tracked and destroyed the drone using precise laser engagement, completing the demonstration and validating Aselsan's layered approach to counter-UAV defence.
Aselsan highlighted the complementary roles of its advanced counter-UAV solutions operating within a unified command-and-control architecture during the live demonstration.
At the core of the detection layer, Aura 200-G Multifunctional Surveillance Radar provides long-range detection, tracking, and classification of aerial threats, while İHTAR delivers AI-powered threat assessment and soft-kill capabilities against hostile UAVs.
Strengthening the hard-kill layer, Ejderha employs high-power microwave technology to disrupt or disable the electronic systems of drone threats, whereas Gökberk neutralises targets through precise laser-based engagements. Together, these systems form a layered and coordinated defence architecture capable of countering both individual and swarm UAV threats, according to Aselsan.