Turkish defense firm Aselsan has completed another test phase of its Yildirim 100 directed infrared countermeasure system.
Unveiled in 2023, the laser-based airborne system is designed to protect aerial platforms from infrared-guided missiles, including both air-to-air and surface-to-air, particularly man-portable air-defense systems.
“We have once again confirmed the high technological proficiency of the YILDIRIM-100 Directed Infrared Countermeasure System through a successfully completed test process against real warhead missiles,” Secretary of Turkish Defence Industries Haluk Görgün said on X.
“With this system, which has been in development for a long time, we are protecting our air platforms against guided missile threats, advancing their survivability capabilities.”
Geliştirmekte olduğumuz YILDIRIM-100 Yönlendirilmiş Kızılötesi Karşı Tedbir (DIRCM) Sistemi’nin bir test sürecini daha başarıyla tamamladık.
⬇️✅ Gelişmiş güdümlü füze tehditlerine karşı hava platformlarımızı koruma yeteneğimiz, saha testleriyle daha da güçleniyor.
✅ Lazer… pic.twitter.com/MOl3Hh9m0o— ASELSAN (@aselsan) July 4, 2025
Laser-Based Missile Protection
The Yildirim 100 features a twin-turret with a missile tracking unit and high-power laser production unit.
The system launches synchronized, multi-band laser beams toward an approaching heat-seeking missile, blinding its seeker head.
It also includes an electronic control box that manages operations and facilitates communication with missile warning systems.
The system operates in an integrated fashion with other defensive measures such as missile warning systems and flares.
It is compatible with ultraviolet radiation-based or infrared radiation-based missile warning systems.
