Turkey’s defense leader Aselsan, has successfully tested its new YILDIRIM-100 laser-based missile defense system. The Directed Infrared Countermeasure (DIRCM) technology is designed to protect aircraft from dangerous heat-seeking missiles. With this breakthrough, Turkey joins the list of countries developing high-tech laser systems for modern aerial combat.
The YILDIRIM-100 uses powerful laser beams to stop incoming infrared-guided missiles by blinding their seeker heads. This means the system can detect, track, and neutralize multiple missile threats at the same time, giving full 360-degree protection.
Aselsan first unveiled the YILDIRIM-100 in 2023. The system aims to shield aircraft from both air-to-air and surface-to-air missile threats, including man-portable air-defense systems (MANPADS). Modern conflicts commonly use these weapons. They have become a growing threat to helicopters, transport planes, and even drones.
During the latest test, YILDIRIM-100 showed that it could automatically find and defeat incoming missiles. The system’s twin-turret design houses a fast sensor to track missiles and a high-powered laser that disables them.
“We have once again confirmed the high technological proficiency of the YILDIRIM-100 Directed Infrared Countermeasure System through a successfully completed test process against real warhead missiles,” said Haluk Görgün, Secretary of Turkish Defence Industries, in a post on X (formerly Twitter).
“With this system, which has been in development for a long time, we are protecting our air platforms against guided missile threats, advancing their survivability capabilities,” he added.
The YILDIRIM-100 is compact, lightweight, and energy-efficient. It is designed to work with existing missile warning systems and traditional countermeasures like flares.
The system sends out multi-band laser beams to confuse and blind the seeker heads of approaching heat-seeking missiles. This makes it harder for the missile to lock onto the aircraft, forcing it off course before impact.
The laser system works fully automatically and provides hemispherical coverage, meaning it can protect from all directions at once. Aselsan said the DIRCM is compatible with both ultraviolet and infrared-based missile warning systems, which makes it a flexible option for different types of aircraft.
In recent years, the risk from portable air defense systems has grown worldwide. These weapons are cheap, easy to use, and very effective against unprotected aircraft. Traditional countermeasures such as flares are not always sufficient against modern missiles.
Aselsan’s YILDIRIM-100 is part of a new technology designed to meet these challenges. The system has a smart electronic control unit that links directly with onboard missile warning systems. As a result, this allows it to detect and neutralize threats faster and more accurately.
Meanwhile, Turkey is already working on an advanced version of the system called the YILDIRIM-300. Specifically, engineers are designing this upgraded model for Turkey’s fifth-generation stealth fighter, the KAAN. Once operational, KAAN will be one of only two fighter jets in the world that feature a DIRCM system. In fact, the other is Russia’s Su-57 Felon.
Turkish Aerospace Industries (TAI) developed the KAAN fighter. The company expects the jet to feature stealth technology, internal weapons bays, advanced avionics, and network-centric warfare systems. Aselsan’s YILDIRIM-300 will further improve KAAN’s ability to survive in dangerous airspaces.
“The integration of a native DIRCM system with KAAN highlights Turkey’s goal of achieving full independence in next-generation air combat technology,” Görgün said.
The system’s low power needs, small size, and open architecture make it easy to integrate into both new and older aircraft. Aselsan says the system is ready for real-world use and built to NATO standards, which could make it appealing to international buyers.
