Turkish defense giant Roketsan has achieved a significant milestone with its latest test of the Tayfun ballistic missile, setting a new record for range by exceeding 500 kilometers (310 miles). Haluk Görgün, president of the country’s Defense Industry Agency, confirmed that the missile successfully struck a maritime target located 561 kilometers (350 miles) away during its third test firing, which took place at Rize-Artvin Airport along the Black Sea coast.
The Tayfun missile’s successful test follows previous launches conducted in October 2022 and May 2023. Görgün highlighted the level of preparation required for the test, noting that air and sea traffic within a 700-kilometer (434-mile) radius was temporarily suspended to ensure safety due to the missile’s extensive range capabilities. This recent test not only reinforces the missile’s operational efficiency but also demonstrates its superiority, achieving twice the range of any other operational missile in Turkey’s arsenal.
Roketsan’s Tayfun missile is notable for its design aimed at neutralizing “deep targets.” At 6.5 meters (21 feet) in length and weighing 2,300 kilograms (5,070 pounds), it features an advanced guidance system that enhances precision even in difficult conditions characterized by electronic warfare or GPS disruption. The Tayfun is capable of reaching hypersonic speeds, which significantly improve its odds of evading advanced enemy air defense systems.
The missile is designed to achieve a comfortable operational range of 280 kilometers (170 miles) and is currently undergoing modifications aimed at extending its maximum range to 1,000 kilometers (621 miles). At present, it has achieved a maximum strike range of 800 kilometers (500 miles) with a preformed fragmented warhead. Following its successful second test in mid-2023, the Tayfun entered mass production, further bolstering Turkey’s defense capabilities as the nation aims to enhance its military technology and readiness.
This development positions Turkey as an emerging player in the global arms market, significantly expanding its military technology portfolio and enhancing its operational capabilities for both national defense and regional security.
