Guide to ASELSAN Electronic Warfare Systems

ASELSAN electronic warfare systems form the invisible front of modern combat. Electronic warfare (EW) is the art of using the electromagnetic spectrum as a weapon: detecting, listening to and jamming an enemy’s radar and communications, while protecting one’s own forces from the same threats. ASELSAN is Turkey’s strongest actor in this field, developing separate EW solutions for land, air and sea. This guide introduces ASELSAN’s leading electronic warfare systems under three headings by mission area: jamming and signals intelligence, communications EW, and platform self-protection.

ASELSAN electronic warfare systems at a glance

Land radar electronic warfare: KORAL

KORAL is ASELSAN’s best-known electronic warfare system, designed as a land-based radar electronic warfare system. KORAL detects and classifies enemy radars across a wide frequency band and tries to neutralize them through jamming or deception. A typical KORAL mission is to blind the enemy’s early warning and fire-control radars ahead of an air operation, letting friendly air assets move more safely. Because the system is mobile, it offers flexibility in field deployment and relocation.

Communications electronic warfare: SANCAK and MİLKAR

Beyond radars, an enemy’s radio and data communications are also an EW target. The SANCAK and MİLKAR families are developed for communications electronic warfare; they detect and listen to enemy communication signals (signals intelligence) and, when needed, jam them to break the command-and-control chain. These systems can also serve in tasks such as preventing the remote triggering of improvised explosive devices, especially in asymmetric and urban combat. Signals intelligence (SIGINT) is one of EW’s most valuable layers because it reveals an enemy’s intent and location without firing a shot.

Naval electronic warfare: ARES + AREAS

Naval platforms need their own electronic shields against incoming missile and radar threats. ASELSAN’s ARES family handles electronic support (detecting and identifying threats), while the AREAS family performs electronic attack (jamming and deception). Working together, this pair detects radar-guided missiles approaching a warship early and tries to divert them through jamming or by directing false targets (chaff/decoys). Ship self-protection relies on this electronic layer working alongside physical weapons such as point-defense guns.

Airborne platform self-protection

For aircraft and helicopters, ASELSAN offers an integrated self-protection suite. Such a suite typically includes a radar warning receiver (RWR = a system that warns when an enemy radar illuminates the platform), a missile warning system (MWS = a sensor that detects an incoming missile) and directed infrared countermeasures (DIRCM = a system that deflects an infrared-guided missile with a laser). These components work together to warn the pilot of a threat and automatically deploy countermeasures (infrared flares or a laser), protecting the platform against threats such as shoulder-launched missiles.

FAQ

What is electronic warfare for?

Electronic warfare uses the electromagnetic spectrum to detect, listen to and jam an enemy’s radar and communications, while protecting one’s own forces from those threats. The aim is to gain superiority without firing.

What is KORAL?

KORAL is ASELSAN’s land-based radar electronic warfare system. It detects enemy radars and tries to neutralize them by jamming or deception, and is used to blind threat radars ahead of air operations.

What do SANCAK and MİLKAR do?

SANCAK and MİLKAR are communications electronic warfare systems. They detect and listen to an enemy’s radio and data communications (signals intelligence) and, when needed, jam them to disrupt command and control.

Which is ASELSAN’s naval EW system?

At sea, the ARES (electronic support/detection) and AREAS (electronic attack/jamming) families are used. Together they protect ships against radar-guided missile threats.

Sources

• ASELSAN — Electronic Warfare Systems product pages (aselsan.com, accessed July 2026).
• ASELSAN — Radar and Electronic Warfare Systems (REHİS) sector page.
• ASELSAN 2025 Annual Report (for EW export contracts).