ISTANBUL -- 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 defense industry. "“These systems are a show of strength for Turkey,” Erdogan said at an event at the Ankara facilities of defense contractor Aselsan. “In air defense 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 defense 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 fear in

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