Türkiye to Deploy Aselsan Radar Systems at Damascus Airport for Enhanced Aviation Safety

Türkiye Bolsters Damascus Airport's Aviation Infrastructure

Türkiye has officially announced its plan to deploy advanced radar systems manufactured by the Turkish defense company Aselsan to Damascus International Airport. The initiative, aimed at significantly enhancing aviation safety and air traffic control, will see the deployment of equipment commence next week. This development was confirmed by Transportation and Infrastructure Minister Abdulkadir Uraloglu on Friday, September 19, 2025.

The upcoming shipment includes crucial primary and secondary radar systems (PSR/SSR) and an approach control system (APP). These systems are designed to enable precise aircraft tracking in the air, providing more reliable data for both the control tower and air traffic control centers.

Previous Shipments and Technical Support

This latest move follows an earlier delivery of essential aviation equipment to Damascus Airport. On September 17, 2025, Türkiye dispatched an Instrument Landing System (ILS) and DVOR/DME navigation equipment. The ILS facilitates aircraft landing on the runway, particularly in adverse weather conditions, while the DVOR/DME system provides vital direction and distance information to aircraft. Minister Uraloglu stated that these devices allow pilots 'to approach the runway safely and at the correct angle even in adverse weather conditions.'

Aselsan, a prominent Turkish defense electronics company, is not only manufacturing these systems but has also begun construction work at the airport site for their installation. The technical installation is set to proceed after the necessary infrastructure is established.

Aselsan's Role in Air Traffic Control Technology

Aselsan is known for its expertise in air traffic control radar systems, such as the HTRS 100, which are designed for the precise detection and tracking of airborne targets in the vicinity of airports. These systems integrate advanced technologies to ensure high reliability and performance, operating within civil aviation standards set by the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) and Eurocontrol.

Context of Damascus International Airport

Damascus International Airport has faced operational challenges due to damage sustained during the country's civil war, leading to periods where it operated under visual flight rules due to non-functional radar and landing systems. Türkiye has previously extended support to the airport, sending a 25-member technical team and various security and emergency response equipment, including X-ray scanners, explosives trace detectors, metal detection units, and Volkan Lion 8x8 firefighting vehicles, to aid in its repair and improvement. This ongoing technical assistance underscores a continued effort to restore and enhance the airport's operational capabilities and safety standards.