Turkey Unveils Long-Range Intercontinental Ballistic Missile Prototype
Istanbul: Turkey has publicly displayed its first intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM) prototype, named Yıldırımhan, marking a significant milestone in its indigenous defense capabilities.According to details shared during the exhibition at the SAHA 2026 International Defence and Aerospace Exhibition in Istanbul, the missile has a range of approximately 6,000 kilometers and is capable of reaching hypersonic…
Istanbul: Turkey has publicly displayed its first intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM) prototype, named Yıldırımhan, marking a significant milestone in its indigenous defense capabilities.
According to details shared during the exhibition at the SAHA 2026 International Defence and Aerospace Exhibition in Istanbul, the missile has a range of approximately 6,000 kilometers and is capable of reaching hypersonic speeds — up to 25 times the speed of sound (Mach 25).
The long-range ballistic missile is reported to be liquid-fueled and developed by Turkey’s National Defense Ministry’s R&D Center. With this development, Turkey joins a select group of nations possessing ICBM-class technology, significantly enhancing its strategic deterrence and regional influence.
Defense analysts view this unveiling as part of Ankara’s ambitious push toward self-reliance in advanced weaponry amid evolving geopolitical tensions in the region. The missile is expected to bolster Turkey’s ability to strike distant targets with high speed and precision, making it difficult for conventional air defense systems to intercept.
Turkish officials have highlighted the achievement as a leap forward in the country’s defense industry, which has seen rapid growth in recent years through projects like the Tayfun hypersonic series and other domestic missile programs.
