Achieving Defense Autonomy: Turkey Moves to Mass Production of New Short-Range Air Defense System

The air and missile defense system from Turkish defense firms ASELSAN and ROKETSAN HİSAR-O has completed final qualification tests and is being transferred for mass production.

As the authors of the Turkish Defense Agency portal informed, this system was developed entirely in-house to raise Turkey's air defense capabilities to a new level, reports ArmyInform.

Haluk Görgün, Minister of Defense Industries (SSB), shared the news on social networks, emphasizing the exceptional accuracy of the system in intercepting targets at a sufficiently long distance and at a considerable height.

«The results demonstrated the technological maturity of HİSAR-O and the efficiency of Turkey's production processes. ASELSAN and ROKETSAN, in cooperation with local subcontractors, play a central role in supplying competitive defense systems», — the Turkish official emphasized.

HİSAR-O is a short-range air defense system designed to counter a wide range of threats, including aircraft, helicopters, drones, cruise missiles and air-to-ground munitions. It has a range of 25 km and can intercept targets at altitudes of over 15 km using missiles equipped with radar and infrared (IIR) guidance.

Its equipment includes a fire control center, radar, three missile launchers, an optoelectronic system, and a transport and reloading unit. This modular architecture combined with the ability to engage targets at 360 degrees with vertical launchers provide operational flexibility.

According to analysts at the Dutch defense technology research portal Army Recognition (AR), the system includes advanced technologies such as mid-course navigation via data channels and remote control via wired or wireless communication.

It is compatible with Link 1,11B and 16, tactical data lines, operating within an open architecture, which allows for the integration of future technologies. Integrated testing and simulation systems ensure efficient maintenance and high operational readiness, meeting the requirements of modern air defense scenarios.

A systems approach was followed in the development process of HİSAR-O. After design and qualification tests, prototypes undergo acceptance tests. Production line certification and pilot production stages ensure the compatibility of the design with the requirements of large-scale production.

These rigorous processes reduce risk and ensure that budgets and times are met. In addition, batch testing during production ensures consistent quality and includes on-site feedback for potential adjustments.

In compared to systems such as the American Patriot or the Russian S-400, HİSAR-O offers an intermediate solution. With a range of 25 km, it has a smaller radius than the Patriot (160 km) or the S-400 (400 km), but provides excellent mobility due to its integration on the chassis of a 6×6 Mercedes-Benz truck.

This mobility, according to experts from the AR portal, combined with simpler logistics makes the Turkish air defense system well suited to the tactical and operational needs of the Turkish Armed Forces, in contrast to the more complex requirements for the deployment of the S-400 system it purchased from Russia at the time.

The transition to mass production of HİSAR-O demonstrates Turkey's ability to independently develop and manufacture advanced defense systems. By strengthening the strategic potential of the Turkish Armed Forces while reducing dependence on foreign suppliers, HİSAR-O makes a significant contribution to the country's defense autonomy.

This achievement also highlights the growing competitiveness of Turkey's defense industry on the global stage.