Turkish defense company Aselsan has successfully tested its new YILDIRIM 100 electronic countermeasure system, designed to protect helicopters, drones, and low-flying aircraft from short-range missile attacks, RKS News reports.
The system was developed in response to the loss of over 15 Turkish helicopters during military operations against the PKK in eastern Turkey. In a recent trial, YILDIRIM 100 successfully neutralized an Igla missile using laser countermeasures that redirected the missile’s thermal targeting away from its intended target.
According to Aselsan, the system is energy-efficient, making it ideal for deployment on fixed-wing aircraft and other aerial platforms. It includes two turrets, advanced sensors, and an integrated control unit capable of rapid response and seamless coordination with missile warning systems.
With this new technology, Turkey joins a select group of countries possessing operational laser-based defense systems, further cementing its position as a rising player in military innovation.
