On Wars: Turkey's Electronic Warfare Capability

All electronic warfare systems developed and delivered by the Turkish defense industry are combat-proven, meaning they have been used in combat, regardless of their class or capabilities. Some activities are carried out in the field even during the development phase. After delivery, solutions continue to be updated based on feedback from the field and evolving processes.

Electronic warfare (EW) has repeatedly demonstrated its critical role in modern warfare environments. It plays a multifaceted role by neutralizing radar systems operating in the electromagnetic spectrum, intercepting communication systems, and protecting friendly elements. Electronic warfare systems have high-tech applications and are divided into sub-branches with specific roles, such as countermeasures, support, and attack. Countermeasure/self-protection systems protect against electronic warfare applications and jamming by hostile elements targeting the platform.

Electronic support systems gather intelligence on hostile elements through activities such as interception and monitoring. While providing early warning of threats to friendly forces, their primary mission is to generate targeting data. Electronic attack systems, on the other hand, are capable of suppressing, jamming, and deceiving target forces. Their areas of application vary, and systems of various classes and capabilities are being developed.

Ultimately, on the battlefield, parties seek to destroy the enemy and protect friendly forces through electronic warfare applications. During the Ukraine-Russia War and the Iran-Israel War, when electronic warfare applications were intense, Turkey’s capabilities and approach to electronic warfare systems became a matter of curiosity.

From Ukraine and Russia to Iran and Israel

Communications are the most critical capability on the battlefield. Activities such as maintaining the command echelon’s function and ensuring field coordination in joint and cross-unit operations are crucial. To disrupt these activities, parties engage in intense electronic warfare practices against each other.

While these activities may sometimes affect friendly elements, i.e., their own units, the primary objective is to inflict damage on the opposing side. As part of the assistance provided to Ukraine, advanced integrated electronic warfare systems and infantry-style portable electronic warfare solutions were provided. Russia, on the other hand, has a variety of advanced electronic warfare solutions in its inventory. The extensive use of kamikaze drones by both sides in the war has further increased electronic warfare activities.

Thanks to its strong ties with the United States, Israel has significant reach and the ability to develop and adapt electronic warfare capabilities to meet its needs. As a result of the war, Israel is considered more successful in electronic warfare applications. These applications have been instrumental in enabling Israeli strike and reconnaissance groups, comprised of numerous fighter jets and armed UAVs, to easily operate in Iranian airspace. These applications include jamming radar components in Iranian air defense systems and providing self-defense against electronic attacks targeting Israeli aircraft.

Land-Based Robust Structure

The technical specifications of electronic warfare systems are highly confidential, yet they are shared. However, the power supply/output of a system, for example, represents highly critical information and is therefore not shared. Keeping this in mind, we can briefly examine the systems developed in Turkey.

ASELSAN, a leading company in this field, developed these systems, which are currently classified as “families.” The Koral family, known for its success in various regions, comprises the first and second generations. These integrated systems include support and attack components and vehicles. Similarly, the REDET/VURAL radar electronic warfare system family has an integrated structure. VURAL is an advanced system designed specifically for radar systems, incorporating both support and attack components. Another family is the SANCAK/MİLKAR, which was developed for electronic attack applications.

This family of systems can carry all its components on a vehicle platform. Its most recent model, the MİLKAR-4A2, has entered the inventory of the Turkish Armed Forces (TSK) and boasts high mobility. Additionally, there are the SÖKMEN and MILKED/PUHU electronic support families. These systems are designed specifically for electronic support, such as interception and estimation, for communication systems.

The PUHU 3-LT product has been delivered to the Turkish Armed Forces (TSK). The ILGAR 3-LT, a mobile electronic attack system currently in the TSK inventory, was developed to attack target communication systems operating in the V/UHF frequency band. The ILGAR system also features electronic support modules. Meteksan Defense is developing the NAZAR system to counter threats such as electro-optical and infrared-guided missiles. The NAZAR system is intended for land and naval platforms. Meteksan Defense is also developing a specific project: the Navigation Electronic Warfare System, SEYMEN.

Solutions for Air, Sea, and Land

In addition to land-based solutions, Turkey is developing air and naval platforms. ASELSAN’s ARES 2-A electronic support measures system will be used on the HAVASOJ/HIK aircraft set to join the Air Force. Meanwhile, existing air platforms (e.g., helicopters and aircraft) are being modernized with domestic electronic warfare suites and systems. Electronic warfare (EW) pods for air platforms are being developed. EHPODs have been developed for fighter jets and have entered the inventory. The ANTIDOT 2 family of electronic warfare pods was developed for armed UAVs following the MAM-L electronic warfare pod.

The Naval Forces utilize the integrated ARES 2-NC electronic warfare system. The ARES family eliminates the Turkish Navy’s external dependency. The TCG UFUK is an integrated ship with various electronic warfare capabilities in the Turkish Navy’s inventory. The Turkish defense industry participated in the project from start to finish, significantly improving the Turkish Navy’s electronic warfare capabilities. Projects to equip unmanned maritime vehicles with electronic warfare capabilities are underway. The MARLIN SIDA system is currently in service with the Turkish Armed Forces.

Turkey has a broad portfolio of electronic warfare solutions for individual soldiers and infantry systems. SekizAltmış’s MS-23, Meteksan’s MERTER, and ASELSAN’s manpack jammer systems are currently in use. Additionally, there are fixed-base and mobile vehicle versions of these systems (MERT and Kangal) that are still in use. ASELSAN offers electronic warfare solutions, including İhtar, Bukalemun, and Kangal, as well as Meteksan Defense’s Trap, which is designed to counter UAV and FPV drone threats.