Turkish Air Defense & Early Warning System

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TURKISH AIR FORCE​

General Akın Öztürk Commander of Turkish Air Defense Command

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The Turkish Air Defense Command recognizes the critical importance of securing its airspace against potential threats and ensuring early detection of any incoming aerial risks. As such, we are proposing the establishment of a comprehensive National Air Defense & Early Warning System. This system will not only safeguard our national sovereignty but also enhance our ability to respond swiftly and effectively to any airborne threats, whether they be conventional or asymmetric in nature.

In today's rapidly evolving geopolitical landscape, the need for a robust air defense capability is paramount. With emerging threats ranging from conventional military aggression to asymmetric warfare tactics such as drone attacks, ensuring the security of our airspace has never been more crucial. Additionally, the proliferation of advanced aerial technologies underscores the necessity of investing in state-of-the-art early warning systems to detect and neutralize potential threats before they can pose a danger to our nation and its citizens.
Threats from neighboring countries and geopolitical tensions have raised serious concern for the Turkish Air Defense Command. The rapid advancements in defensive and offensive capabilities, along with substantial investment in aerial technologies by other nations, have heightened insecurities. Simulations conducted in 2003 confirmed serious gaps in the air defense capabilities, especially in the cyber-space domain. Inter-service operability and data services have been severely diminished.

Türkiye's national defense assessment has revealed critical deficiencies in both air and land-based detection systems, which threaten our ability to effectively respond to emerging and evolving threats. The proliferation of ballistic missile technologies and the rapid enhancement of air capabilities by neighboring states pose significant risks to our national security. In light of these challenges, the integration of the PAVEPAW radar system is imperative to bolster our strategic defense posture.

The PAVEPAW system provides unparalleled detection and tracking capabilities, offering high-resolution, 3D radar data with exceptional precision in identifying airborne threats, including advanced ballistic missiles and hostile aircraft. Its long-range detection, coupled with the ability to differentiate between decoys and actual threats, ensures that Türkiye will be able to track and neutralize incoming targets before they can reach critical assets. Furthermore, the system’s advanced electronic counter-countermeasures (ECCM) will allow for continued operation even in the most contested electromagnetic environments, enhancing our ability to defend against sophisticated enemy electronic warfare tactics.

By deploying the PAVEPAW radar systems, Türkiye will achieve a marked improvement in its early warning and missile defense capabilities. This system will provide critical, real-time data to command centers, enabling rapid decision-making and precise engagement with airborne threats. It will form the backbone of Türkiye’s integrated air defense network, allowing for a seamless fusion of radar, interceptors, and missile defense systems, ultimately enhancing our deterrence and response capabilities in an increasingly hostile region.

Under the National Air Defense and Early Warning System (NADEW), the Turkish Republic is committing to significant investments in financing the overhaul of Türkiye's air defense and early warning systems.
The project will establish a comprehensive National Air Defense & Early Warning System to monitor and protect Türkiye's airspace 24/7. This will enhance our ability to detect and respond to a wide range of aerial threats, including but not limited to aircraft, missiles, drones, and other airborne hazards. The system will strengthen Türkiye's national security posture by integrating cutting-edge technology, intelligence capabilities, and strategic partnerships to effectively mitigate airborne risks. It will also provide timely and accurate situational awareness to key decision-makers, enabling them to make informed and effective responses to potential threats. The system will foster collaboration and coordination among relevant government agencies, military branches, and international partners to ensure seamless operation and interoperability of the air defense system.

The NADEW will achieve these goals through developing data link systems, advanced computing technologies, integrated information systems, hardening hardware against malware and cyber attacks, and securing connections for sensitive data streams.

Under this project, the Turkish Government will acquire seven PAVEPAW radar systems. These systems will be deployed to create a network of advanced radar systems and sensors strategically across the country to provide comprehensive coverage of Turkish airspace. The radar sites will be located at the following coordinates with instructions for civilian-grade systems to block these locations by a 20km grid:

• 36.30378, 36.00402
• 40.50005, 40.38907
• 39.49997, 31.38691
• 38.34958, 37.79332
• 37.90333, 39.99702

These systems will be capable of detecting and tracking airborne targets with precision and accuracy.

In conjunction with the PAVEPAW systems, the Air Defense Command will establish a state-of-the-art command and control center, along with several other command centers, all equipped with advanced communication systems, data processing capabilities, and decision-support tools. These centers will serve as the nerve center of the air defense system, enabling real-time monitoring, analysis, and coordination of air defense activities. The command centers will integrate currently deployed interceptor systems, including surface-to-air missiles and anti-aircraft artillery, to neutralize potential threats identified by the early warning system. These systems will be designed to swiftly and effectively engage and destroy hostile targets with precision and minimal collateral damage.

Additionally, with enhancements made to the cyber-space domain, there is a strong focus on maintaining robust cybersecurity measures to safeguard the air defense system against cyber threats and ensure its uninterrupted operation. This includes securing communication networks, data storage facilities, and command and control infrastructure against potential cyberattacks.

Lastly, the funding will be used to invest in comprehensive training programs to equip air defense personnel with the necessary skills, knowledge, and expertise to operate and maintain the system effectively. This will include training in radar operation, threat analysis, interception tactics, and cybersecurity protocols.

Construction will take place at the following locations and will include a Control Center that houses the radar operators and personnel responsible for monitoring and controlling the radar system, including consoles and other advanced interfaces, and communication equipment. A Power Generation and Backup System will ensure a reliable source of power, essential for continuous operation. The stations will have dedicated power generation facilities, such as diesel generators or alternative energy sources, to ensure uninterrupted operation even during power outages. Additionally, the stations will feature robust communication systems to transmit radar data, coordinate with other military units, and communicate with higher command authorities. This will include radio systems, satellite communication links, and secure data networks.

The Turkish Air Force will assign members of their forces to the Security Wing, responsible for enforcing the security measures necessary to protect against unauthorized access, sabotage, and physical threats. This will include manning the perimeter fencing, surveillance cameras, access control systems, and screening visitors and users.

The Turkish Air Force will also assign members to the Systems and Control Battalion to ensure optimal performance and reliability of the radar equipment. This will include incorporating environmental control systems to regulate temperature, humidity, and other environmental factors within the radar facilities. They will also provide regular maintenance and repairs to minimize downtime and address any equipment failures promptly.

The facilities will include all necessary space for storage of spare parts, equipment, and supplies needed for maintenance and operation. Logistics facilities will support ongoing operations, including receiving and distributing supplies and equipment.

Finally, the radar stations will provide living quarters and support facilities to accommodate radar personnel and support staff, including barracks, dining facilities, recreational areas, and medical facilities.
The acquisition of additional radar systems and the establishment of radar facilities in strategic locations will enable Türkiye to improve situational awareness, detect potential threats at an early stage, and respond effectively to emerging security challenges.