In response to the increasing threat posed by Electro-Optic (EO) and Infrared-(IR) guided missiles, the Turkish Government’s Defence Industry Directorate SSB has contracted Meteksan for the development of the NAZAR laser soft kill countermeasure system, the land-based version of which is being exhibited at IDEF 2021 in Istanbul. According to a press release by the company, the application of laser dazzling and soft kill techniques provides for the possibility of neutralising EO/IR-guided missiles at long distances. Apart from the countermeasure applications, the system is reported to also have reconnaissance and surveillance capabilities against asymmetric threats, both standalone and integrated with other sensors.
The current version is shown mounted on a trailer. The electricity needed for the operation of the system is provided by its own generator. Following the land-based system developed in the 1st phase of the NAZAR project, a version suited for naval anti-missile defence – including BMD – will be next for integration with the ISTIF class frigate TCG ISTANBUL.
Juergen Hensel
