KORKUT and GÖKDENİZ: Short-Range Protection for Land and Sea
As modern battlefields evolve, so does the demand for responsive, autonomous and layered air defence. ASELSAN, Türkiye’s leading defence electronics company, addresses his challenge through two combat-proven systems: KORKUT self-propelled air defence gun system and GÖKDENİZ close-in weapon system. Together, they represent complementary pillars of SHORAD for land and naval forces operating in high-threat environments.
Naval operations leave little margin for error once outer defensive layers are saturated or bypassed. GÖKDENİZ was developed as a final protective layer at sea. The system employs twin 35 mm guns capable of firing 1,100 rounds per minute, using programmable ATOM airburst ammunition, and High-Explosive Incendiary (HEI). ASELSAN’s unique Automatic Linkless Ammunition Feed Mechanism enables operators to rapidly switch between ammunition types based on the threat profile, while offering superior reliability over conventional systems by preventing ammunition jamming and firing failures during operation. This allows engagement of sea-skimming anti-ship missiles, low-flying aircraft, helicopters, UAVs and asymmetric surface threats.
Equipped with an integrated tracking radar and electro-optical sensors, and in its 100/35 StA configuration a dedicated 3D search radar, GÖKDENİZ provides autonomous sensor-to-shooter functionality. Even in the event of CMS degradation, it retains standalone operational capability through embedded ballistic computation and redundant design. The system has entered service within five different navies, including Turkish Navy.
On land, mobility and survivability are central to short-range ground-based air defence. Combat proven KORKUT is mounted on an armored platform with a stabilised, unmanned turret enabling firing-on-the-move. Its 35 mm gun employs both programmable airburst and conventional ammunition, enhancing effectiveness against cruise missiles, air-to-ground missiles, UAVs and asymmetric threats. Integrated fire control radar and network-enabled command integration allow KORKUT to operate within layered ground-based air defence formations. A 25 mm airburst-equipped variant further extends flexibility for mobile formations requiring counter-drone and armored target capability.
İHTAR: Integrated Counter-UAS Protection for Critical Assets
The rapid proliferation of low-cost drones has reshaped the threat environment across land and maritime domains. Small UAVs present persistent risks to bases, forward operating locations and high-value infrastructure. Addressing this challenge requires integrated detection and scalable response mechanisms rather than isolated countermeasures.
ASELSAN’s İHTAR system is designed as a modular Counter-UAS architecture capable of detecting, identifying and neutralising mini and micro UAV threats in both urban and rural settings. At its core is Ku-band AURA 100-G radar, operating in pulsed Doppler mode with track-while-scan capability. The radar provides 360-degree surveillance and multi-target tracking capability. It has the capability to detect low radar cross-section aerial threats at publicly stated ranges of up to 5 km against defined targets. Electro-optical subsystems enable day/night identification and automatic video tracking, ensuring positive threat confirmation prior to engagement.
Neutralisation is delivered through radio-frequency (RF) jamming subsystem. Built around programmable digital frequency synthesis technology, the system is designed to disrupt command links and navigation signals across GSM, 3G, 4G/LTE, Wi-Fi, ISM and GNSS bands. Directional and omni-directional modes enable tailored responses to individual UAV incursions or coordinated swarm formations.
İHTAR’s open and modular architecture supports integration with acoustic detection systems, direction-finding units and, additional effectors. Available in mobile and fixed configurations, the system can be deployed for base defence, border security and protection of strategic facilities.
When viewed alongside kinetic short-range air defence systems such as KORKUT and GÖKDENİZ, İHTAR contributes a complementary layer focused on asymmetric and low-signature threats. Together, these systems illustrate a vertically integrated approach spanning radar, electro-optics, hard-kill programmable ammunition and soft-kill RF countermeasures, forming a structured and adaptable shield against evolving aerial threats across land, sea and air.