ISTANBUL (AP) — Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan on Wednesday formally inaugurated Turkey’s integrated air defense system known as the “Steel Dome,” which he described as a watershed moment for the country and its defence industry.

“These systems are a show of strength for Turkey,” Erdogan said at an event at the Ankara facilities of defence contractor Aselsan. “In air defence we are ushering in a new era for our beloved Turkey.”

Erdogan’s government announced in August of last year the start of development of the Steel Dome, which integrates sea-based and land-based air defence platforms and sensors into a network to protect Turkey’s skies.

Erdogan said the latest stage of the project consisted of 47 vehicles worth $460 million that would “inspire confidence in our friends and fe

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