Turkish Missile Programs

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Inside Türkiye's Yildirimhan ICBM program​

The intercontinental hypersonic ballistic missile "Yildirimhan" developed by the Ministry of National Defense R&D Center at SAHA 2026 International Defense, Aerospace, and Space Industry Fair in Istanbul, May 5, 2026. (AA Photo)

Nilufer Kuzulu, the head of the Turkish Ministry of National Defense's (MoND) R&D center and the lead developer of Türkiye's first intercontinental ballistic missile, revealed key details about the Yildirimhan program in a live interview on Turkish media outlet NTV at SAHA 2026.

She disclosed that serial production of rocket fuel has been completed, that a dedicated production facility now exists, and that the ministry has been developing hypersonic systems for approximately 10 years.

"We had completed our work on rocket motors last year. Now, having completed it together with the body and fuel, we have come to launch our product," Kuzulu said during the live broadcast.

She described the Yildirimhan as "the most important indicator of Türkiye's vision."

Kuzulu confirmed the ministry has been working on hypersonic systems for approximately 10 years.




"We have a fuel and a facility for which we have completed serial production. We have our rocket fuel, we have our warhead," she noted.

"Yildirimhan" intercontinental hypersonic ballistic missile (ICBM), developed by the Turkish National Defense Ministry R&D Center at the SAHA 2026 International Defense, Aerospace and Space Industry Exhibition in Istanbul, May 5, 2026. (AA Photo)

Fuel was not domestically produced, until now​

On the propellant system, Kuzulu disclosed that the fuel used by Yildirimhan was not previously produced in Türkiye, but that the ministry had now achieved domestic serial production capability.

She did not specify the exact propellant composition in the interview, though the Yildirimhan's technical specification panel at SAHA 2026 listed nitrogen tetroxide, which serves as the oxidizer in the system, used in combination with hydrazine-derivative fuels.

"Yildirimhan" intercontinental hypersonic ballistic missile (ICBM), developed by the Turkish National Defense Ministry R&D Center at the SAHA 2026 International Defense, Aerospace and Space Industry Exhibition in Istanbul, May 5, 2026. (AA Photo)

Jet engine also displayed at SAHA​

Kuzulu also addressed a jet engine being displayed by the ministry at SAHA 2026 alongside the Yildirimhan.

She said that while the engine resembles others in external dimensions, "the compressors used inside it are technically very different."

She added that the ministry is conducting parallel work on jet and helicopter engines alongside its missile motor development programs.




According to the promotional brochures published by the Turkish Ministry of National Defense's R&D center, the Guchan Turbofan Jet Engine is "a high-thrust jet engine whose components were all developed by the Ministry of National Defense R&D Center and produced entirely with domestic resources."


The Guchan turbofan jet engine's technical specifications are:

• Thrust: 42,000 lbf
• Max Diameter: 46,5 in
• Airflow: 420 lb/s
• Bypass ratio: 0.68:1

According to the promotional brochures published by the Turkish Ministry of National Defense's R&D center, the Onur turboshaft helicopter engine is "a significant project developed by the Ministry of National Defense (MSB) R&D Center. It represents a major step toward technological independence in Türkiye's defense sector, focusing on creating a fully indigenous turbine engine."

The Onur turboshaft helicopter engine's technical specifications are:

• Power: 1550 hp
• Output Shaft Speed: 7000 rpm
• Type: Turboshaft
• Pressure Ratio: 7.4
• Weight: 310 kg

"Yildirimhan" intercontinental hypersonic ballistic missile (ICBM) and Guchan turbofan jet engine (R) at the SAHA 2026 International Defense, Aerospace and Space Industry Exhibition in Istanbul, May 5, 2026. (AA Photo)

Yildirimhan ballistic missile's specifications​

As disclosed at SAHA 2026 by the Defense Ministry R&D Center, Yildirimhan has a range of 6,000 kilometers, a speed range of Mach 9 to Mach 25, four liquid-fuel rocket engines, a 3,000-kilogram explosive payload and a takeoff weight consistent with the intercontinental class.




The system's combination of hypersonic speed and maneuverability is designed to defeat existing air and missile defense systems by narrowing the adversary's early-warning and interception window.
Türkiye unveils first-ever intercontinental ballistic missile Yildirimhan
NATION




Defense Minister Yasar Guler, who attended the unveiling at SAHA 2026, said the ministry's work had transformed Türkiye's defense industry into "a high-technology developing ecosystem" and that the products on display were "the fruit of these efforts."

He stressed the importance of R&D-focused development in ensuring the sustainable strengthening of the defense sector and said the ministry would continue "with great determination to meet the needs of the Turkish Armed Forces."



May 06, 2026 06:20 PM GMT+03:00
https://www.turkiyetoday.com/nation/inside-turkiyes-yildirimhan-icbm-program-3219493?s=1

 

[MMM-E]

Ramjet engine developed by DELTAV


It can be used for land based supersonic anti-ship Missile ( speed of mach 2,5 )
The system's first flight test has been conducted.




DELTAV hypersonic test platform ( TESTBED )

DELTA V reached an altitude of 210 km in space, achieving this at a hypersonic speed of 5.7 Mach.

For the first time in Turkiye, it performed a hot staging, separating at a speed of 2.5 Mach at altitude of 44 km and in the second stage It accelerated to 5.7 Mach and climbed to an altitude of 210 km




It was developed with a fuel infrastructure based on LOX-Paraffin and N₂O-Paraffin

Length : 11,3 m
weight : 2800 kg
Diameter : 630 mm
Altitude : 210 km
Speed : mach 5,7

A hypersonic Testbed required for testing and qualifying materials, controls, telemetry, etc , in an ionized atmosphere.

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[eIsQengiz]

Turkey Unveils “Yildirimhan” Strategic Missile System Amid Growing Regional Tensions​

A new missile era may be emerging for Turkey as reports surrounding the “Yildirimhan” missile system continue drawing attention from defense analysts, regional observers, and NATO circles. Presented during the SAHA Expo in Istanbul, the system has been described by some media outlets as Turkey’s most ambitious long-range missile concept to date.

Range and Strategic Reach​

According to reported specifications, Yildirimhan could possess a range of approximately 6,000 kilometers, giving it the theoretical ability to reach targets across large parts of:

• Europe
• Russia
• the Middle East
• parts of Africa
• and portions of China

Analysts note that such reach would move Turkey beyond purely regional missile deterrence into the realm of broader strategic power projection.

Design and Propulsion​

The missile is described as featuring a multi-stage design, likely involving three stages. Reports suggest the platform utilizes liquid-fuel propulsion with nitrogen tetroxide serving as the oxidizer.

The first stage is reportedly powered by four rocket engines, indicating a significantly larger propulsion architecture than Turkey’s earlier regional ballistic missile systems.

Defense observers emphasize that liquid-fuel systems are generally more complex and demanding to maintain than solid-fuel missiles, but they can provide advantages in thrust management and extended-range capability.

Performance and Advanced Capabilities​

Estimated speed figures place the missile between Mach 9 and Mach 25, placing it within the hypersonic category during portions of flight.

Particular attention has focused on the missile’s re-entry vehicle configuration. Speculation among analysts includes the possibility of:

• Multiple Independently Targetable Re-entry Vehicle (MIRV) capability
• Future hypersonic glide vehicle integration
• Enhanced maneuverability during terminal flight phases

No official confirmation has been provided regarding MIRV or hypersonic glide payloads, though the platform’s geometry and reported architecture have fueled discussion within defense circles.

Geopolitical Implications​

The unveiling has generated discussion within NATO regarding Turkey’s evolving strategic ambitions and increasing pursuit of military autonomy.

Observers argue that a missile platform with this level of range and potential capability could alter regional strategic calculations involving:

• Israel
• Russia
• European NATO members
• and wider Eurasian security dynamics

The unveiling is being interpreted by many observers as part of a broader Turkish vision emphasizing:

• defense-industrial independence
• indigenous aerospace development
• strategic deterrence
• and a more influential role across Eurasia, the Middle East, Africa, and beyond.

Strategic Significance​

If the reported specifications are accurate and the system evolves into a fully operational platform, Yildirimhan would represent a major milestone in Turkey’s aerospace and missile-development ambitions.

The missile is increasingly being portrayed not simply as a battlefield weapon, but as a symbol of Turkey’s long-term vision for strategic independence, advanced propulsion engineering, and continental-scale power projection.

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[Oublious]

Germany eyes Turkish Yildirimhan and Tayfun missiles after Tomahawk withdrawal - Türkiye Today

Germany is reportedly in talks to buy Türkiye's Yildirimhan ICBM and Tayfun ballistic missile to fill the gap left by Trump's Tomahawk cancellation

www.turkiyetoday.com

no missile for you...

 

[hyperman]

Germany eyes Turkish Yildirimhan and Tayfun missiles after Tomahawk withdrawal - Türkiye Today

Germany is reportedly in talks to buy Türkiye's Yildirimhan ICBM and Tayfun ballistic missile to fill the gap left by Trump's Tomahawk cancellation

www.turkiyetoday.com

no missile for you...

If they want to buy, I would sell it to them(export variant) just to see how the Greeks react. lol

Its better to sell, it legitimizes Turkey's Ballistic missile program and because the alternative is they will buy the same thing from the South Koreans who also have Medium Range Ballistic Missiles.

That sort of sale also fundamentally alters Germany's alignment and outlook and can be leveraged to push back against Greece and France isolation attempts against Turkey in the EU.

 

[hyperman]

Roketsan General Manager Murat İkinci:

“There is currently significant potential in Europe, and we believe we will be able to turn this into concrete results very soon.

In Europe right now, there is no established infrastructure for ballistic missiles or cruise missiles, and they lack significant capacity in this area. There are no products either.

That is why I believe the Roketsan-Europe partnership—especially collaborations with countries that have very close ties with us—will be one of our key drivers for growth.

”It seems Roketsan is serious about selling ballistic missiles to Europe

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[Oublious]

Roketsan General Manager Murat İkinci:

“There is currently significant potential in Europe, and we believe we will be able to turn this into concrete results very soon.

In Europe right now, there is no established infrastructure for ballistic missiles or cruise missiles, and they lack significant capacity in this area. There are no products either.

That is why I believe the Roketsan-Europe partnership—especially collaborations with countries that have very close ties with us—will be one of our key drivers for growth.

”It seems Roketsan is serious about selling ballistic missiles to Europe

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that would be crazy, selling SOM and Atmaca cruise missiles, Tayfun and YildirimHan. What the fak is happening>?

 

[Eşbah]

Germany eyes Turkish Yildirimhan and Tayfun missiles after Tomahawk withdrawal - Türkiye Today

Germany is reportedly in talks to buy Türkiye's Yildirimhan ICBM and Tayfun ballistic missile to fill the gap left by Trump's Tomahawk cancellation

www.turkiyetoday.com

no missile for you...

I can't believe this. Let me check the original German source. Will be back in a minute.

 

[Pokemonte13]

I can't believe this. Let me check the original German source. Will be back in a minute.

Its from Welt aka Springer Verlag not very trustworthy kinda the german Fox News. If they would have said Gezgin or Tayfun 1/2 then maybe but the fact that they put the ICBM in it makes untrustworthy.

 

[eIsQengiz]

Roketsan General Manager Murat İkinci:

“There is currently significant potential in Europe, and we believe we will be able to turn this into concrete results very soon.

In Europe right now, there is no established infrastructure for ballistic missiles or cruise missiles, and they lack significant capacity in this area. There are no products either.

That is why I believe the Roketsan-Europe partnership—especially collaborations with countries that have very close ties with us—will be one of our key drivers for growth.

”It seems Roketsan is serious about selling ballistic missiles to Europe

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For more detailed information, see our cookies page.

Accept third party cookies

Türkiye can share with brother countries if it wants to, but the real question is whether handing over Missile Technology Control Regime-related capabilities to Germany — which, by the way, operates the Israeli ELM-2084 radar — would, in any potential future conflict, give the enemy access to these weapons. The MTCR was never a binding treaty, so the issue is whether it is worth sacrificing national interests for European governments that are closely connected to Israel and increasingly supportive of far-right policies, and whether doing so would even serve Turkish interests at all

 

[hyperman]

I can't believe this. Let me check the original German source. Will be back in a minute.

I think they mean Tayfun, not YildirimHan. Rocketsan commented on selling them as well.

 

[hyperman]

that would be crazy, selling SOM and Atmaca cruise missiles, Tayfun and YildirimHan. What the fak is happening>?

I think Only Ballistic, they have Taurus with French Engine and can build their own. They don't have ballistic, so are looking to buy. and probably Tayfun, not YildirimHan.

 

[Eşbah]

However, Germany has further plans. Work is currently underway in Berlin on concrete measures to acquire the Turkish Yildirimhan intercontinental ballistic missile—which boasts a range of up to 6,000 kilometers—and the Tayfun-Block-4 long-range hypersonic missile, with the aim of protecting European NATO member states.

The Yildirimhan missile, which is still under development, could be delivered as early as 2028, while the Tayfun-Block-4 missile would follow a few years later. It is already clear that, due to anticipated opposition from Cyprus and Greece—both of which maintain extremely strained relations with Turkey—the financing for these contemplated arms purchases is unlikely to be drawn from the EU’s SAFE defense program, which provides up to 150 billion euros in low-interest loans for defense investments.

For this reason, two options are being considered in Berlin: either a bilateral deal between Germany and Turkey, or for the Federal Government—under its own leadership—to forge a smaller "coalition of the willing" to finance future arms purchases from Turkey.

In the latter scenario, however, Germany would bear the highest costs. No decisions have been made yet, but according to diplomatic sources, the deal could potentially be announced as early as this July, on the sidelines of the NATO summit in Ankara.

OG Source: https://archive.ph/cZt8s

Oh my God, it's not fake news! I Google translated the part. They genuinely want to acquire Turkish missiles. Why, though? Why not French or British?

 

[hasssanali8998]

Why not French or British?

because then they would have to deal with the french or the british

 

[Eşbah]

Its from Welt aka Springer Verlag not very trustworthy kinda the german Fox News. If they would have said Gezgin or Tayfun 1/2 then maybe but the fact that they put the ICBM in it makes untrustworthy.

The Welt is a right-wing media outlet and pro-Israel, US and NATO to its core but they have extremely reliable sources in the CDU/CSU and government. If they report it, it's true.