Türkiye expands serial production of long-range missiles

Key Points
  • ROKETSAN confirmed that serial production and deliveries of Türkiye’s TAYFUN ballistic missile and SOM cruise missile are continuing as planned.
  • The TAYFUN and SOM systems provide Türkiye with domestically developed long-range and stand-off strike capabilities designed for use in contested environments.

Turkish state-owned defense contractor ROKETSAN confirmed that serial production and deliveries of its TAYFUN ballistic missile and SOM cruise missile are continuing as planned, according to a recent company statement and remarks by CEO Murat İkinci.

As noted by ROKETSAN, “serial production and deliveries” of the TAYFUN ballistic missile and SOM cruise missile are proceeding “as planned.”

CEO Murat İkinci stated that all stages of the systems, from design to production, are based on Turkish engineering, with deliveries continuing at full pace.

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The TAYFUN missile is described as Türkiye’s longest-range domestically produced ballistic missile, designed for high-precision strikes against strategic targets. According to the company, the system is built for rapid deployment and operational flexibility, with features intended to maintain effectiveness in electronic warfare environments, including resistance to GPS jamming. ROKETSAN also states that the missile’s hypersonic speed reduces its vulnerability to interception by air defense systems.

Alongside TAYFUN, the SOM cruise missile continues to be produced and delivered as part of Türkiye’s strike capability portfolio. The SOM is an air-launched cruise missile with a reported range of approximately 250 kilometers. It is designed to engage both land and naval targets from outside enemy air defense coverage, allowing launch platforms to operate at a distance from defended zones.

According to ROKETSAN, the SOM missile can be integrated with both manned and unmanned aerial platforms and can be equipped with different types of warheads depending on mission requirements. The system is intended for use against strategic facilities, air defense systems, ships, and fortified positions, offering a flexible strike option across multiple operational scenarios.

The company said in a statement that these systems contribute to the deterrent capability of Türkiye’s armed forces, with ongoing production supporting sustained deployment. No specific delivery quantities or timelines were disclosed in the announcement.

The TAYFUN ballistic missile provides a ground-based long-range strike option capable of engaging fixed, high-value targets with limited warning time due to its speed and trajectory. Its stated resistance to electronic warfare measures suggests a design focus on maintaining accuracy in contested electromagnetic environments.

SOM cruise missile (ROKETSAN pic)

The SOM cruise missile, by contrast, offers a lower-altitude, terrain-following flight profile typical of cruise missiles, enabling it to approach targets while reducing detection risk. Its compatibility with multiple aerial platforms, including unmanned systems, reflects a broader trend toward distributed strike capabilities and stand-off engagement.

The continued production of both missile systems aligns with Türkiye’s broader defense industry strategy, which emphasizes domestic development and reduced reliance on foreign suppliers for critical military technologies. In recent years, Ankara has expanded its portfolio of precision-guided munitions, including both ballistic and cruise missile systems designed for different operational roles.

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