According to Intelligence Online, Aselsan may take the lead in providing the defence solution, potentially replacing the European missile manufacturer MBDA. The decision would reflect a shift towards greater cooperation with countries offering technology transfer and joint development opportunities.
The proposed system is known as the “Steel Dome,” a multi-layered air defence solution currently under development by a consortium of Turkish firms, including Aselsan, TUBITAK SAGE, Roketsan, and MKE. Unlike Israel’s Iron Dome, which is focused on short-range threats, the Steel Dome is designed to intercept a wider range of aerial threats at varying distances.
The system is expected to integrate artificial intelligence to deliver real-time threat detection and coordination, enabling a faster and more accurate response. It also combines advanced sensors, radar systems, and command-and-control components to create a comprehensive defensive network.
The Steel Dome is still under development, with an operational launch targeted for August 2024. Its inclusion in the NEOM project would mark a significant step in Saudi Arabia’s effort to secure major infrastructure developments through advanced and locally integrated defence technologies.
Saudi Arabia has increasingly expressed interest in defence partnerships that prioritise domestic capability-building through technology sharing. In line with this approach, the country signed a $3 billion agreement in 2023 with Türkiye’s Baykar to locally produce the Akinci unmanned combat aerial vehicle.
The preference for joint ventures aligns with the goals of Saudi Arabian Military Industries (SAMI), which seeks to expand local defence manufacturing and reduce reliance on imported systems. This strategic direction has reportedly made MBDA’s proposal, involving its Aster missile series, less attractive due to concerns over cost and limited local participation.
Analysts suggest that Türkiye’s flexible cooperation model and willingness to transfer technology have contributed to its growing role in Saudi Arabia’s defence planning. If finalised, the partnership between Aselsan and the Kingdom could extend to other areas of defence cooperation.
Saudi Arabia has also expressed interest in Türkiye’s emerging military technologies, including the KAAN fifth-generation fighter aircraft, as part of its long-term military modernisation efforts. The reported collaboration on the NEOM air defence system would further strengthen bilateral ties between Ankara and Riyadh.
