The Turkish Navy has achieved a significant milestone by successfully conducting the first underwater test-firing of a domestically-produced anti-ship cruise missile. This advancement highlights Turkey’s growing capabilities in defense technology and its ambition for self-reliance in military hardware.
Haluk Görgün, the Secretary of the Turkish Defence Industries, made the announcement regarding this successful test. The missile, developed by Roketsan, was launched from TCG Preveze, a Preveze-class attack submarine, in the Mediterranean Sea. Although specific details about the missile were not disclosed, video footage released shows the encapsulated Atmaca missile being readied for launch from the submarine.
In his announcement, Görgün stated, “Turkish defense industry is moving forward for a fully independent future on land, air, and sea!” This sentiment underscores Turkey’s commitment to enhancing its defense manufacturing capabilities.
The TCG Preveze was not only utilized for this milestone but also participated in the test launch of the AKYA heavyweight torpedo, which is also produced locally. This sequence of advancements indicates a concerted effort by the Turkish Navy to boost its operational capabilities undersea, paving the way for more sophisticated maritime defense technologies.
The Atmaca missile, whose name translates to “hawk” in Turkish, has been in development since 2009 and represents a significant step in Turkey’s efforts to replace aging missile systems. Designed for all-weather conditions, the Atmaca is intended to target both moving and stationary maritime objectives, as well as fixed targets on land. It boasts a range of 250 kilometers (155 miles) and is equipped with a 220-kilogram (485 pounds) high-explosive warhead.
The missile features advanced navigation and targeting systems, including inertial navigation, global positioning, and both barometric and radar altimeters, enhancing its precision and effectiveness. The Atmaca is available in multiple variants: one for submarine launches, another for naval vessels, and a ground-launched variant known as Kara, which offers an extended range.
International interest in the Atmaca missile has gained momentum, with Indonesia being the first country to place an order, securing 45 units. Malaysia has subsequently followed suit, procuring littoral mission ships outfitted with the Turkish-developed missile systems.
This latest demonstration of Turkey’s defense technology capabilities signals a strong momentum in the nation’s strategic autonomy within the military sector, particularly in maritime operations, as it seeks to solidify its position as a self-sufficient player in the global defense market.
