DSEI 2025: Aselsan's KORKUT 100/25 SB Reshapes Close-Range Air Defense With Mobile Counter-Drone Capabilities.

During DSEI UK 2025 in London, Türkiye’s defense giant ASELSAN introduced the KORKUT 100/25 SB, a next-generation mobile counter-UAV system designed to confront the escalating threat of mini and micro drones on today’s battlefields. This unveiling comes at a time when unmanned aerial vehicles, from reconnaissance quadcopters to explosive-laden loitering munitions, are increasingly deployed in conflicts, making effective close-range air defense systems a strategic necessity. By combining mobility, precision, and layered countermeasure options, the KORKUT 100/25 SB represents a new standard in tactical drone protection.
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With its capacity to counter swarming UAV tactics and provide both soft-kill and hard-kill responses, the KORKUT 100/25 SB positions itself as a cornerstone of future close-range air defense strategies (Picture source: Army Recognition Group)

The KORKUT 100/25 SB is built around a dual soft-kill and hard-kill approach. It integrates advanced radar and electro-optical sensors to detect, track, and engage aerial threats in real time, while its remotely operated stabilized turret delivers lethal firepower with ASELSAN’s own 25 mm ATOM Airburst Smart Ammunition. This programmable round detonates in proximity to small, low-signature aerial targets, including fast and highly maneuverable drones, ensuring high lethality even against coordinated swarms. Its effective range exceeds 1,000 meters, enabling forces to neutralize hostile UAVs before they reach critical assets. A coaxial 7.62 mm machine gun supplements the main armament for close-range defense against ground or airborne threats.

The system benefits from advanced AI-powered algorithms that support automated detection, classification, and tracking, reducing operator workload while enhancing engagement speed and accuracy. Its fire control system is fully computerized, with algorithms capable of calculating real-time trajectories against rapidly moving targets. Electro-optical payloads, including high-resolution day and thermal cameras and a laser rangefinder, provide all-weather, day-and-night coverage. The integration of AESA radar technology further strengthens detection, while modular architecture allows adaptation to various armored wheeled platforms, giving armed forces flexibility for deployment in diverse environments.

According to ASELSAN, the KORKUT 100/25 SB’s operational capabilities extend to both on-the-move engagements and stationary defense, with turret motion on the elevation axis ranging from -20 to +70 degrees. Its firing rate reaches up to 600 rounds per minute, while its airburst ammunition significantly increases hit probability against low-altitude, high-maneuverability UAVs. Beyond kinetic interception, the architecture also includes RF countermeasure systems, offering a non-kinetic “soft kill” layer to disrupt hostile drones’ communication or navigation links. This layered design combines radar, electro-optics, navigation, fire control software, and remote weapon station (RCWS) integration, enabling the vehicle to serve as a complete mobile counter-UAV platform.

ASELSAN’s decision to present this configuration at DSEI follows the system’s earlier showcase at IDEF 2025 in Istanbul, where it was introduced alongside a 130/25 SB variant. The Turkish company has been steadily expanding the KORKUT family, originally developed as a self-propelled anti-aircraft gun system, to address new aerial threats emerging from the proliferation of drones in asymmetric warfare. Unlike traditional short-range air defense systems that may be costly or inefficient against low-cost drones, the KORKUT 100/25 SB provides a cost-effective yet powerful solution, filling a critical gap between small arms fire and missile-based air defense.

The strategic significance of the KORKUT 100/25 SB lies in its adaptability to contemporary and future conflicts. Recent battlefields, particularly in Ukraine and the Middle East, have shown how commercial and military-grade drones can disrupt logistics chains, target frontline units, or saturate defenses. With its mobility, modular design, and ability to operate while on the move, the system offers protection for convoys, command posts, and forward operating bases. This makes it not only a tactical asset but also a tool with geopolitical relevance, as states seek layered defense architectures to secure their forces against evolving drone warfare.

Presenting the system, ASELSAN President & CEO Ahmet Akyol emphasized its milestone role: “The unveiling of KORKUT 100/25 SB at DSEI marks a major milestone for ASELSAN and the future of close-range air defense. With its next-generation design, high mobility, and integrated counter-UAV capabilities, the system sets a new standard for tactical drone defense on the modern battlefield. As we celebrate our 50th anniversary, we are proud to present this mission-ready system to our international partners, reaffirming ASELSAN’s commitment to delivering innovative, high-performance solutions that ensure operational superiority.”

With its capacity to counter swarming UAV tactics and provide both soft-kill and hard-kill responses, the KORKUT 100/25 SB positions itself as a cornerstone of future close-range air defense strategies. In an era where drones are reshaping warfare doctrines, ASELSAN’s unveiling at DSEI 2025 signals not only technological innovation but also Türkiye’s determination to assert itself as a key player in the global defense landscape.

Written by Teoman S. Nicanci – Defense Analyst, Army Recognition Group

Teoman S. Nicanci holds degrees in Political Science, Comparative and International Politics, and International Relations and Diplomacy from leading Belgian universities, with research focused on Russian strategic behavior, defense technology, and modern warfare. He is a defense analyst at Army Recognition, specializing in the global defense industry, military armament, and emerging defense technologies.