Turkish defence contractor ASELSAN said its YILDIRIM-100 Directed Infrared Countermeasure system successfully completed a live-fire qualification on 4 July, neutralising shoulder-launched, infrared-guided missiles with a laser beam. The trial employed real warhead missiles, demonstrating the system’s ability to protect helicopters, drones and other aircraft from modern heat-seeking threats. YILDIRIM-100 couples a precision gimbal-mounted laser with on-board missile-warning sensors and flare dispensers, blinding incoming seekers before impact. ASELSAN said repeated field tests have progressively expanded the envelope of engagement and integration, strengthening confidence in the platform’s operational readiness. Haluk Görgün, head of the Turkish Presidency of Defense Industries, called the outcome proof of the country’s "high technological competence" and a critical step toward enhancing the survivability of national air assets. Further trials will focus on full-platform certification ahead of planned deployment across Turkey’s next-generation fighter and unmanned systems fleet.