Counter-UAS in live fire: Aselsan demonstrates Korkut 35 air defence system

At a live-fire demonstration, Aselsan showed what its mobile Korkut 35 air defence system achieves in counter-UAS. Military delegations from twelve countries attended. The system engaged various drone types and proved its firing accuracy on the move as well.

The core of the demonstration was countering current threats from kamikaze and small drones. According to the manufacturer, several unmanned aerial vehicles were successfully engaged under realistic conditions – fixed-wing and delta-wing drones as well as mini and micro drones.

Korkut 35 is designed against a broad spectrum of air targets, from drones and helicopters to combat aircraft, cruise missiles and air-to-ground guided weapons.

Another scenario involved moving ground targets. Both the target and the air defence system, integrated on an 8×8 wheeled vehicle, were moving. The aim was above all to show the precision and dispersion of the 35-millimetre armament under dynamic operational conditions.

Gun-based counter-UAS as a cheaper option

Aselsan positions Korkut 35 as a mobile air defence solution to protect mechanised formations and critical infrastructure. As more and more low-cost drones are used, gun-based defence is becoming more important: it can be a more economical alternative to expensive guided missiles.

Holding the demonstration before international military representatives also underlines the Turkish manufacturer’s export ambitions. Aselsan did not say which countries took part or whether procurement decisions are pending.