Türkiye’s HİSAR-A IIR Air-Defense System Achieves Direct Hit in Acceptance Test

Ankara: Türkiye has marked a major milestone in its indigenous air-defense programme after the HİSAR-A IIR Low-Altitude Air-Defense System successfully intercepted and destroyed a high-speed aerial target with full accuracy during an official Acceptance Firing Test, defence authorities announced.

The trial was conducted using Serial-Production Configuration Systems, confirming that the latest variant of HİSAR-A has met all Operational And Performance Requirements and is now cleared for Frontline Deployment.

High-Speed Interception Validates End-To-End Combat Capability

Officials stated that the acceptance firing represented a Full Operational Scenario. The target was first Detected, Identified, And Tracked by the system’s Radar And Fire-Control Elements before engagement authorization was issued. A HİSAR-A Missile equipped with an Imaging Infrared (IIR) Seeker was then launched from the Missile Launching System, achieving a Direct Hit and Neutralising The Target within the designated engagement envelope.

The successful engagement validated the New-Generation Launcher, Command-And-Control Links, and the complete Sensor-To-Shooter Kill Chain, demonstrating readiness for Operational Service.

Radar Detection Range Enhances Early Warning

A critical strength of the HİSAR-A System is its advanced Surveillance And Fire-Control Radar, developed by ASELSAN. The system employs an AESA-Based Radar with a Detection Range Of Up To 120 Kilometres, enabling early warning and persistent tracking of Low-Altitude And High-Speed Aerial Threats.

This extended radar range provides Increased Reaction Time, Improved Target Classification, and enhanced Situational Awareness, particularly against fast and low-flying targets operating close to terrain.

IIR Seeker Delivers High Terminal Accuracy

The defining feature of the latest variant is the Imaging Infrared (IIR) Seeker, designed to deliver High Precision In The Terminal Phase of interception. The seeker generates High-Resolution Infrared Imagery, allowing accurate tracking of Manoeuvring Targets and improved resistance to Electronic And Infrared Countermeasures.

This capability significantly boosts effectiveness against Cruise Missiles, Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs), Helicopters, Fixed-Wing Aircraft, and Air-To-Ground Munitions.

System Performance And Technical Profile

Jointly developed by ROKETSAN and ASELSAN, the HİSAR-A System is designed to provide Point And Area Air Defence for military units and Critical Infrastructure.

The system offers an Interception Range Of More Than 15 Kilometres, uses a High-Explosive Blast-Fragmentation Warhead, and employs a guidance package combining Inertial Navigation, Data-Link Updates, and IIR Terminal Homing. Propulsion is provided by a Dual-Pulse Solid-Fuel Rocket Motor, ensuring High Agility and sustained End-Game Energy.

Role Within Türkiye’s ‘Steel Dome’ Architecture

The successful acceptance test strengthens Türkiye’s emerging Steel Dome (Çelik Kubbe) air-defense concept, which aims to integrate Radars, Electro-Optical Sensors, Command-And-Control Systems, and Layered Missile Defences into a unified national shield.

Within this framework, HİSAR-A forms the Low-Altitude Defence Layer, complementing medium- and high-altitude systems and providing close-in protection for Military Bases, Critical Assets, and Manoeuvre Forces.

Cleared For Operational Deployment

With acceptance testing completed, Serial-Production HİSAR-A IIR Systems are now cleared for Operational Use. Deliveries to the Turkish Armed Forces are continuing, with deployments expected to expand as part of Steel Dome Force Planning.

The successful firing underscores Türkiye’s growing Self-Reliance In Advanced Air-Defense Technologies, reinforcing its ability to Detect, Track, And Defeat Modern Aerial Threats using domestically developed systems.