Illustrative image.
Turkey has conducted another successful test of the Tayfun [Turkish for Typhoon] ballistic missile system developed locally by Roketsan, the Anadolu Agency reported on December 12.
The state-run news agency didn’t provide any details about the test. It is known, however, that such tests are usually held at a range in the Turkey Black Sea province of Rize.
Commenting on the successful missile test, Haluk Gorgun, chairman of the country’s Defense Industry Agency, said on X that the “the heavens had once again borne witness to the will of the people.”
“Thanks to the successful test, our TAYFUN missile crosses a new threshold, broadening the horizon of our security and strengthening our deterrence,” he added.
Meanwhile, Murat Ikinci, Director General of Roketsan, stated: “TAYFUN is ready to enter service. Serial production and deliveries of the system are proceeding rapidly, and in the latest test firing, the missile accurately hit its target. I congratulate all my colleagues who contributed to this success.”
Footage released by Roketsan shows a successful firing from the Tayfun dual launcher, which is based on a VOLAT 8×8 truck.
Turkey announced the start of the mass production of the Tayfun all the way back in 2023. Roketsan has so far tested two different missiles developed for the system.
Initial tests from 2022 involved Block 1 short-range ballistic missiles, capable of hitting targets as far as 800 kilometers with a warhead weighing 500 kg. Last October, however, a much heavier medium-range ballistic missile, the Block 4, was tested for the first time.
Block 4, unlike the first version, has been almost doubled in length to ten meters, while the weight of the missile has been increased from just above two tons to over seven tons, almost fourfold. In addition, the range of the missile was reportedly increased to over 1,000 kilometers.
Both missiles are reported to be guided via a satellite-aided inertial navigation system that can utilize both American GPS and Russian GLONASS.
Notably, Roketsan previously described Block 4 missile as “hypersonic”, and while the missile is reported to be capable of reaching Mach 5, that’s five times the speed of sound, this is not the only criteria for the classification.
In order for a missile to be called “hypersonic” it should be capable of not only traveling, but also maneuvering at least five times faster than the speed of sound specifically at low altitudes in the atmosphere. It is unclear yet if Block 4 missile is capable of this.
Still, the missile highlights Turkey’s military ambition. With a range of 1,000 kilometers, the system can reach any target in both Greece and Israel.
Roketsan is now developing an even heavier medium-range ballistic missile for another system dubbed Cenk [Turkish for War]. The missile will reportedly have a range of 2,000 kilometers.
While Turkey is a NATO state, the rapid expansion of its missile program could eventually spark a crisis. Greece has already expressed its concern over the Tayfun, and while Israel has so far remained silent on the issue, it could use it as a pretext to escalate if relations with Turkey continue to deteriorate.
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tem mais chance da turquia atacar a grécia com esse míssil do que israel.