ASELSAN successfully demonstrated the operational capabilities of its KORKUT 35 Air Defense System in a live-fire demonstration attended by defense delegations from 12 countries. The KORKUT is a Turkish all-weather-capable 35 mm self-propelled anti-aircraft gun (SPAAG) developed by Aselsan. The demonstration showcased the system’s ability to deliver accurate fire while on the move, as well as its capabilities to detect, track, engage and neutralize moving targets under representative operational conditions. The Turkish Armed Forces has ordered 40 weapons systems.
Designed to replace the aging M42A1 Duster systems of the Turkish Armed Forces, each Korkut system comprises one command and control vehicle and three weapons platforms. Each weapon platform carries a twin 2×35 mm Oerlikon KDC-02 cannon, manufactured under licence by MKEK. Each weapons system can fire up to 1,100 rounds a minute up to a range of 4 km. The command and control vehicle has an effective radar range of 70 km. The cannons can fire different types of 35×228 mm ammunitions including Aselsan made ATOM 35mm airburst ammunition. ATOM 35mm airburst ammunition ejects tungsten pellets at a predetermined distance. It is a smart ammunition which has a base fuse.
In demonstrations conducted under different scenarios, the KORKUT 35 system, which is effective against fighter aircraft, cruise missiles, air-to-ground missiles, helicopters and UAVs, was demonstrated with a particular focus on its capability to defend against kamikaze UAVs and mini/micro UAVs, which are among today’s most frequently encountered threats. Under representative operational conditions, the system successfully engaged different UAVs, including fixed-wing, delta-wing and mini/micro UAVs. The demonstration showcased the system’s performance against different aerial targets in a dynamic operational environment.
In a separate scenario, KORKUT 35 demonstrated its firing accuracy and shot dispersion against a moving ground target while both the system and target were in motion. Integrated onto an 8×8 tactical wheeled vehicle, the system engaged the moving target while demonstrating its precision engagement capability on the move. The live-fire trials demonstrated KORKUT 35’s ability to deliver accurate fire both on the move and against dynamic aerial threats such as kamikaze UAVs and mini/micro UAVs, highlighting the system’s role as a mobile and effective solution for protecting maneuvering forces and critical assets, as well as providing a cost-effective air defense solution against low-cost targets.
