Ukraine Receives Turkey Air Defense System Korkut, Already in Combat Use

Kyiv, Ukraine — Ukraine has quietly received a small number of Turkish-made Korkut air defense systems. The delivery was not announced to the public. According to reports, these weapons are already being used in combat to shoot down Russian drones.

The Korkut system is made by a Turkish defense company called Aselsan. It is a short-range air defense system that uses automatic cannons to destroy air targets. These targets include drones and cruise missiles.

What Is the Korkut System?

A standard Korkut system includes three weapon vehicles and one command-and-control vehicle. The system is designed to protect ground facilities from small air threats.

Military analysts believe Ukraine may have received a specific version called the Korkut 100/25 SB. This version uses a 25 mm gun and special "smart" ammunition. It has a range of more than one kilometer and can fire 600 rounds per minute.

How Is It Being Used?

According to sources, Ukraine has already used the Korkut systems to intercept Russian drones. A Ukrainian official described the results as "pretty much successful".

The Korkut system is similar to the German Gepard system, which Ukraine already uses. Both are gun-based air defense systems designed to counter drones and other low-flying threats.

Why Is This Important?

Turkey has not publicly confirmed the delivery. The number of systems sent to Ukraine has also not been disclosed. However, the fact that these systems are already in combat use shows that Turkey is quietly supporting Ukraine's air defense.

This delivery is significant because Russia has been using large numbers of drones in its attacks on Ukraine. Systems like the Korkut can help Ukraine shoot down these drones more effectively.

Ukraine is reportedly considering buying more Korkut systems from Turkey in the future.