The Korkut 100/25 SB: Advancing Turkey’s Air Defense Strategy
A Major Step for Turkish Defense Innovation
The Korkut 100/25 SB, an innovative anti-drone system engineered by Aselsan, made its international debut at the DSEI 2025 exhibition in London. This inaugural presentation signifies a pivotal advancement for the Turkish defense sector, showcasing its commitment to developing advanced air defense solutions tailored to confront contemporary aerial threats, particularly in asymmetric warfare settings.
Operational Capabilities and Specifications
Designed to counteract the growing threats posed by mini and micro unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs), the Korkut system utilizes ATOM 25 mm programmable airburst ammunition. This capability represents an adaptive response to emerging low-altitude aerial threats, enhancing Turkey’s defensive posture in complex combat environments.
Key features of the Korkut system include:
- Mobility: Mounted on the Ejder Yalçın 4×4 armored vehicle, the Korkut offers exceptional maneuverability across diverse terrains.
- Armament:
- Primary: A 25 mm automatic cannon that can deploy ATOM programmable airburst munitions, effective over ranges exceeding 1,000 meters against low radar cross-section mini drones.
- Secondary: A 7.62 mm coaxial machine gun for providing close-range defense against varied threats.
Advanced Targeting and Automation
The Korkut’s fire control suite is noteworthy for its automation and advanced targeting capabilities. It includes:
- A stabilized sighting system equipped with an electro-optical sensor, high-resolution day/night cameras, and a laser rangefinder.
- Full automation for target acquisition and tracking, drastically reducing the cognitive burden on operators.
This system’s modularity allows for seamless integration with various platforms and sensors, reinforcing the versatility required for modern defense operations. The capability for remote operation and multi-firing modes ensures that operators can effectively engage dynamic threats without being physically present.
Strategic Application in Defense Architecture
The Korkut 100/25 SB is designed to be part of a comprehensive defense framework that includes both soft-kill and hard-kill mechanisms. It is ideally suited for:
- Protecting vital assets such as convoys and forward operating bases.
- Securing critical infrastructure along national borders.
- Supporting urban operations where drone engagements are becoming increasingly frequent.
Advantages of the Korkut System
- Logistical Efficiency: The use of domestically produced ammunition and sensors simplifies maintenance and enhances deployment readiness through plug-and-play functionality.
- Swarm Attack Countermeasures: The adaptive ammunition programming allows the Korkut to effectively neutralize saturation attacks and engage highly mobile targets, drawing on insights from recent operational experiences.
Turkey’s Strategic Goals and International Market Potential
The introduction of the Korkut 100/25 SB embodies Turkey’s aspirations to reinforce its technological independence while fielding a competitive product in the global defense landscape. As nations grapple with the escalating proliferation of UAVs in conflict zones, the Korkut offers a robust solution tailored for various military requirements.
By investing in advanced defenses against these evolving threats, Turkey positions itself as a capable player in the international arms market, appealing to countries facing similar challenges in airspace security.
The Korkut 100/25 SB not only signifies technological progress for Turkey but also underscores the necessity of developing agile defense mechanisms in an age where drone warfare increasingly shapes military engagements.
Images from the DSEI 2025 Exhibition, courtesy of J. Roukoz.
