The Turkish technology company Aselsan successfully conducted last week a demonstration of the combat capabilities of its air defense system Korkut 35. The demonstration was carried out in live-fire and in the presence of defense delegations from twelve countries. According to the manufacturer, the demonstration illustrated the system’s ability to fire with precision both when stationary and in motion, and to detect, track, engage, and neutralize mobile targets under realistic operating conditions.
In various scenarios the performance of the Korkut-35 system—which is supposed to be effective against combat aircraft, cruise missiles, air-to-ground missiles, helicopters, and unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs)—was demonstrated with particular emphasis on defending against kamikaze drones as well as mini- and micro-UAVs. These are among the most common threats today. Under realistic conditions the system successfully engaged different UAV types, including fixed-wing, delta-wing as well as mini- and micro-drones.
Engagement Against Air and Ground Targets
The demonstration underscored the system’s capability against various aerial targets in a dynamic operational environment, according to Aselsan. In another scenario, Korkut 35 demonstrated its firing accuracy and dispersion against a moving ground target, with both the system and the target in motion. Mounted on a tactical 8×8 wheeled vehicle, the system engaged the moving target, demonstrating its ability to engage targets precisely from the movement.
The demonstration was meant to confirm the ability of Korkut 35 to deliver precise fire both while moving and against dynamic aerial threats such as kamikaze drones as well as mini- and micro-UAVs. In this way, the system emphasizes its role as a mobile and effective solution for protecting maneuvering formations and critical infrastructure, as well as an affordable air defense option against low-cost targets, according to Aselsan.
The Korkut 35 System
The Korkut 35 system is a Turkish, all-weather 35-mm air defense system on a self-propelled anti-aircraft gun (SPAAG). It was designed as a replacement for the Turkish Armed Forces’ outdated M42A1 Duster systems. Each Korkut system typically comprises a command-and-control vehicle and three weapon-system vehicles.
As a cannon, the system uses the Rheinmetall/Oerlikon KDC-02 dual cannon in 35 mm caliber. It is licensed-built by MKEK. This allows each system to fire up to 1,100 rounds per minute (550 rounds per minute per barrel) at a range of up to four kilometers. Officially, the command vehicle has an effective radar range of up to 70 kilometers.
Adaptation to Counter-UAV Mission
Officially the ammunition stock comprises 400 rounds. The weapon station has a full 360-degree azimuth range and a elevation range from minus ten to plus 85 degrees. The automatic ammunition feeding system operates without a belt. Officially, the Turkish Armed Forces have 40 weapon systems in use, delivered between 2013 and 2022. They have now been optimized and adapted for the Counter-UAV role.
The cannons can fire different types of 35×228-mm ammunition, including the ATOM-35-mm ammunition from Aselsan with airburst. The ATOM-35-mm airburst ammunition releases tungsten projectiles at a predetermined distance. Thanks to precise timing and the possibility to program the ammunition during firing considering the muzzle velocity, the fuze is automatically set to detonate the round when reaching a specified distance to the target.
Family with 25 and 35 mm Calibers
While a single projectile by itself is too small to cause major damage, the sum of hits leads to the destruction of wings, control surfaces, sensors and aerodynamic components, resulting in the target crashing. According to Aselsan, the ammunition is resistant to electromagnetic interference. The current system, with its dual 35-mm cannon, features modern fire control and high mobility.
Recently, Aselsan demonstrated various variants, on both tracked and wheeled vehicles. Thus, with Korkut, a whole family of close-range air defense systems was developed. And it comes in two calibers: 25 mm and 35 mm. In June 2025, Aselsan unveiled the Korkut 100/25 SB variant, specifically designed for drone defense and using AI-guided 25-mm airburst ammunition. And in January 2026, Korkut 140/35 successfully engaged an FPV drone during firing tests.
