ASELSAN introduced a new generation of electronic warfare and counter-unmanned aerial vehicle (C-UAV) solutions during the second day of the SAHA 2026 exhibition in İstanbul, showcasing advanced technologies designed to strengthen Türkiye’s evolving “Steel Dome” layered defense architecture.
The launch ceremony highlighted ASELSAN’s expanding capabilities across electronic warfare, directed energy weapons, autonomous interception systems, and anti-drone protection technologies amid the rapidly changing character of modern warfare. The company presented upgraded variants of its KORAL, ILGAR, EJDERHA, and GÖKBERK systems, alongside newly developed drone interception solutions such as GÖKALP and MİĞFER.
KORAL AD Expands Electronic Warfare Capabilities
Among the key systems introduced was the KORAL AD Air Defense Electronic Warfare System, a land-based mobile radar electronic warfare platform integrating both Electronic Support (ES) and Electronic Attack (EA) functions on a single platform.
Designed to operate in contested electromagnetic environments, KORAL AD can detect, identify, classify, deceive, and jam hostile radar systems at long range. ASELSAN stated that the system provides Anti-Access/Area Denial (A2/AD) capabilities, allowing it to disrupt enemy aircraft radar operations and enhance layered air defense networks such as Steel Dome.
The latest KORAL configuration reflects the growing importance of electromagnetic spectrum dominance in modern conflicts, particularly in environments where air defense survivability depends heavily on electronic warfare integration.
ILGAR Targets Advanced Communication Networks
ASELSAN also unveiled an upgraded version of the ILGAR Communication Electronic Warfare System, a mobile electronic attack solution developed to disrupt V/UHF and partially SHF communication systems.
The system features high RF output power and reactive jamming capabilities capable of targeting sophisticated frequency-hopping communication networks. According to ASELSAN, ILGAR can conduct electronic attack and electronic support missions while on the move, enabling operational flexibility against airborne and tactical communication systems.
The company emphasized that ILGAR is designed to support battlefield resilience by disrupting enemy coordination and degrading communication-dependent operations in dynamic combat scenarios.
EJDERHA Evolves Into Autonomous Counter-Drone System
Expanding its electromagnetic warfare capabilities into the counter-UAV domain, ASELSAN presented a new version of the EJDERHA High-Power Microwave Weapon System.
The system is engineered to neutralize mini and micro UAVs, particularly drone swarms, through the use of high-power electromagnetic waves. The latest variant incorporates an integrated radar, enhanced electro-optical systems, and improved engagement performance, enabling fully autonomous operation as a stand-alone counter-drone platform.
As drone swarm threats continue to emerge across global battlefields, high-power microwave systems such as EJDERHA are increasingly viewed as critical solutions for defending military infrastructure and mobile formations against low-cost aerial threats.
GÖKALP Introduces Autonomous Drone-on-Drone Interception
ASELSAN also introduced GÖKALP, an AI-enabled autonomous kinetic drone interception system specifically designed to counter FPV and kamikaze UAV threats.
The interceptor drone uses smart tracking and autonomous engagement capabilities to physically destroy hostile drones through high-speed kinetic impact. ASELSAN described the system as a true drone-against-drone solution, a capability currently possessed by only a limited number of advanced defense systems globally.
The launch reflects the growing military demand for autonomous air defense solutions capable of responding rapidly to asymmetric drone warfare tactics increasingly observed in contemporary conflicts.
MİĞFER Provides Hard-Kill Protection for Armored Vehicles
Another major unveiling at SAHA 2026 was the MİĞFER Self-Protection FPV Interception System, a hard-kill anti-drone solution mounted on a 4×4 armored vehicle.
Developed to protect tanks and armored personnel carriers from close-range micro-drone attacks, the system employs dual smoothbore shotguns combined with specialized anti-UAV ammunition to autonomously neutralize aerial threats within a 150-meter radius.
The system addresses a growing operational requirement for localized anti-drone defense, particularly following recent conflicts where FPV drones have demonstrated significant effectiveness against armored formations.
GÖKBERK 10kW Laser Weapon Strengthens Directed Energy Defense
ASELSAN further expanded its directed energy portfolio with the unveiling of the GÖKBERK 10kW Laser Weapon System.
Designed to defend critical infrastructure, military headquarters, energy facilities, and land platforms, the system uses an indigenous 10 kW laser source to physically destroy close-range aerial threats with high precision and energy efficiency.
Directed energy systems are increasingly gaining prominence worldwide due to their low cost-per-shot, rapid engagement capability, and effectiveness against drones and other asymmetric aerial threats.
ASELSAN Highlights Integrated Steel Dome Vision
Commenting on the new systems, Ahmet Akyol stated that future battlefields require integrated solutions capable of operating across both the physical and electromagnetic domains.
According to Akyol, the newly unveiled systems collectively strengthen the Steel Dome concept by combining radar jamming, communication disruption, autonomous interception, microwave counter-drone protection, and laser-based air defense capabilities into a layered architecture designed to counter evolving aerial and electronic threats.
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