ASELSAN’s YILDIRIM 100 Deflects Live Infrared-Guided Missiles with Lasers

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In a major breakthrough for Türkiye’s defense industry, ASELSAN has successfully tested its YILDIRIM 100 Directed Infrared Countermeasure (DIRCM) System, demonstrating the ability to deflect live infrared-guided missiles equipped with active warheads.

This successful live-fire test marks a critical step forward in airborne self-protection technology, showcasing ASELSAN’s leadership in a field dominated by only a few global powers.

During the test, the YILDIRIM 100 system identified incoming infrared-guided threats and neutralized them using multi-band laser energy, directed precisely at the missile seekers. The result: complete deflection of active missiles in real-time combat conditions.

“With the successful test of YILDIRIM 100, we take great pride in advancing our country’s air defense capabilities to the level of the world’s leading nations,” said ASELSAN President & CEO Ahmet Akyol. “As we celebrate ASELSAN’s 50th anniversary, this achievement reflects the strength of our indigenous technological excellence and our unwavering commitment to innovation.”

YILDIRIM 100 is designed to detect, track, and jam multiple threats simultaneously. With low power consumption and high operational availability, the system provides both rotary and fixed-wing aircraft with cutting-edge defense against heat-seeking missile attacks.

Its core strength lies in its multi-band laser capability, which allows it to “dazzle” or confuse the missile’s infrared seeker, forcing it off course. Combined with dual-turret architecture, advanced sensors, and an integrated control unit, YILDIRIM 100 delivers rapid, synchronized defensive responses with high reliability.

The system is fully integrated with missile warning systems and designed for seamless compatibility with a wide range of airborne platforms. Whether facing current or future-generation threats, YILDIRIM 100 is engineered to provide mission-ready protection in the most demanding environments.

Laser-based countermeasures are among the most advanced layers of aircraft defense. Until now, only a select group of nations have successfully developed and deployed this technology. These include USA’s Large Aircraft Infrared Countermeasures (LAIRCM), Israel’s Iron Beam, India’s DRDO, and Germany’s Rheinmetall HEL. With the YILDIRIM 100’s successful test, Türkiye joins this elite club.

As threats evolve, ASELSAN’s latest achievement positions the country at the forefront of next-generation defense — delivering indigenous innovation at a global standard and enhancing the survivability of airborne platforms in today’s high-threat scenarios.

Ashton Henning