ASELSAN demonstrates layered Drone Defence System against mini and micro UAV threats in live Ankara scenario - Defence Industry Europe
AI Analysis
ASELSAN successfully demonstrated its DRONDEF integrated counter-UAV system in a live exercise in Ankara, showcasing its ability to detect, track, and neutralize multiple mini and micro UAV threats. The system utilizes a layered approach incorporating soft-kill (İHTAR, EJDERHA) and hard-kill (GÖKBERK, KORKUT, GÖKALP) capabilities, integrated under a unified command and control architecture. The demonstration involved scenarios with both wirelessly and fiber-optically controlled drones, including swarm tactics.
Key Takeaways
- DRONDEF system integrates İHTAR (detection/soft kill), GÖKBERK (laser), KORKUT (kinetic), GÖKALP (interceptor drone), and EJDERHA (HPM) systems.
- The system boasts a detection range of 10km and is AI-supported.
- Demonstration included neutralizing both fiber-optic and wireless controlled drones, including a swarm scenario.
- EJDERHA High Power Microwave (HPM) system successfully neutralized targets in the demonstration.
- DRONDEF is designed to operate as the lowest tier of Türkiye’s Steel Dome air defence architecture and is suitable for mobile and static deployments.
Why It Matters
This demonstration highlights Turkey’s growing indigenous capability in counter-UAS technology, reducing reliance on foreign systems. The layered defense approach showcased by DRONDEF represents a best practice for countering the evolving threat of small, commercially available drones, which are increasingly used for malicious purposes. The system's integration into the Steel Dome architecture suggests a comprehensive national air defense strategy.
ASELSAN demonstrates layered Drone Defence System against mini and micro UAV threats in live Ankara scenario - Defence Industry Europe
ASELSAN demonstrates layered Drone Defence System against mini and micro UAV threats in live Ankara scenario
By Lukasz Prus (Defence Industry Europe)
Air| June 6, 2026
Photo: Defence Industry Europe.
ASELSAN has demonstrated its integrated Drone Defence System in a live counter-UAV scenario in Ankara. The Turkish defence company said the demonstration showed the coordinated use of İHTAR, GÖKBERK and EJDERHA against mini and micro UAV threats.
The two-day event was attended by Turkish and international media representatives and delegations from 20 countries. ASELSAN said the demonstration highlighted its ability to detect, track and neutralise multiple UAV threats in a coordinated operational scenario.
The demonstration included wirelessly controlled drones, fibre-optic-controlled drones and drones operating in swarm formations. The threats were detected and tracked through ASELSAN’s integrated command-and-control architecture.
Photo: Defence Industry Europe.
ASELSAN said the demonstration validated a layered defence approach combining detection, soft-kill and hard-kill capabilities. The company said the systems operate within the lowest tier of Türkiye’s Steel Dome air defence architecture.
ASELSAN’s Drone Defence System, known as DRONDEF, is described by the company as an AI-supported integrated anti-UAV system. It is designed to neutralise mini and micro UAV threats and has a detection range of 10 km.
DRONDEF uses a layered structure that includes physical and functional destruction of threat subsystems. All subsystems can be managed from a single Command and Control Centre.
The system includes İHTAR for detection and soft kill, GÖKBERK 5/10 kW Laser Weapon System, KORKUT 25 25 mm Airburst Weapon System and GÖKALP Autonomous Interceptor Drone. It also includes EJDERHA AD high-power electromagnetic system, ŞAHİN LITE, ŞAHİN DUAL and MİĞFER Self Defence Counter FPV System.
ASELSAN said DRONDEF can be used in mobile and integrated configurations. Its intended roles include protection of critical facilities, convoy protection and self-defence against mini and micro UAV threats.
Photo: Defence Industry Europe.
In the first phase of the demonstration, two fibre-optic-controlled drones approached the systems in a swarm formation. The threats were detected and classified by the İHTAR Counter-UAV System integrated with ASELSAN’s AURA 200-G Multifunctional Surveillance Radar.
The Drone Defence Operation Centre automatically assessed the threats and assigned them to the EJDERHA High Power Microwave Weapon System. ASELSAN said EJDERHA successfully neutralised both targets using its directed-energy capability.
The demonstration then continued with two wirelessly controlled drones approaching from different directions. ASELSAN said this scenario simulated a complex and dynamic threat environment.
After det