While the GÜRZ Air and Missile Defense System, developed against different threats from UAVs to cruise missiles, successfully completed its first firing field activity, all eyes turned to the effectiveness of the system and the Steel Dome architecture. GÜRZ is considered one of the most mobile elements of the layered air defense architecture. The system developed by ASELSAN; It brings together radar, electro-optical sensors, 35-millimeter air defense cannon and missiles of different ranges on a single mobile platform. Thus, close-range UAVs and similar threats can be attacked with artillery and programmable ammunition, while more distant helicopters, warplanes or cruise missiles can be attacked with missiles.
MULTIPLE DEFENSE IN ONE VEHICLE
One of the most important features of GÜRZ is that it combines detection, tracking and prevention capabilities, which can be distributed to different vehicles in classical air defense systems, on a single platform. Thanks to the tetrahedral AESA radar, electro-optical systems, command control infrastructure and weapon systems, GÜRZ will be able to serve in the close air defense of air bases and critical facilities, as well as military units on the move. The system is also intended to connect to the Steel Dome network and use target information from different radars and sensors.
THE IMPORTANCE OF THE STEEL DOME
Türkiye’s Steel Dome concept is not based on a single missile system, but on systems operating at different ranges and altitudes operating over a common network. While the system uses electronic warfare and barreled systems against the closest threats, the defense ring expands with systems such as SUNGUR, KORKUT, HİSAR-A+ and HİSAR-O+.. At long range, SIPER comes into play. The real power of the Steel Dome stems from the ability of radars, electronic warfare elements, command control centers and air defense weapons to share the same air picture, rather than the individual capabilities of the systems.
WHICH GAP WILL IT FILL?
GÜRZ will play an important role in this chain, especially in the close air defense of troops on the move and critical points. The ability to detect targets with its own radar and electro-optical systems and the ability to carry cannon and missile options in the same vehicle allow the system to react quickly. GÜRZ over time It is expected to take on the duties of Stinger-based systems such as ATILGAN and ZIPKIN, which the Turkish Armed Forces have used for many years. However, unlike these systems, GÜRZ is not just a missile-carrying platform; It is being developed as an integrated air defense system that can detect, track, classify the target and decide which weapon to use according to the threat.
HYBRID WEAPON SYSTEM
Speaking to Haberglobal.com, Retired Air Brigadier General Dr. Hüseyin Çok explains the importance of the system with the following words: “GÜRZ, as a hybrid system that collects everything on a single 8×8 armored vehicle, is a short-range air defense system equipped with the capabilities to provide point air defense of fixed facilities as well as the self-defense of military units and armored mechanized brigades on the move. System; It was designed to conduct Layered Air Defense based on the Hybrid weapon family concept. It first blocks distant targets with missiles; It selects targets such as micro-UAVs that evade missiles or approach very closely, providing a cost-effective solution with the mission computer that automatically selects weapons according to the type of target. “It destroys the target by selecting the appropriate missile or 35 mm particle ammunition according to the target and range.”
TARGET TRACKING FEATURE
Over also gave the following information: “GÜRZ constitutes one of the closest and most critical defense rings of the Steel Dome, Türkiye’s layered air defense network. The most important feature that distinguishes the system from other air defense vehicles is that it combines cannons and missiles of different ranges on the same platform. While KORKUT is more focused on artillery and SUNGUR is focused on missiles, GÜRZ combines two capabilities in one vehicle. Thanks to its own radar and electro-optical systems, it can detect and track the target and respond with the appropriate weapon. “AESA radars and ATOM smart munitions also increase their effectiveness, especially against UAVs and precision-guided munitions.”
