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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
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