TÜBİTAK unveiled its indigenous ramjet-powered air-to-air missile, GÖKHAN, for the first time at the 17th International Defense Industry Fair (IDEF 2025).
The unveiling ceremony, which was attended by Minister of Industry and Technology Mehmet Fatih Kacır, Minister of National Defense Yaşar Güler, and Minister of Trade Ömer Bolat, featured the removal of GÖKHAN’s cover, officially introducing the missile to the public.
The GÖKHAN missile, developed by TÜBİTAK SAGE (Defense Industries Research and Development Institute), represents a significant milestone in Turkey’s air-to-air missile capabilities.
At the event, TÜBİTAK SAGE and the Ministry of National Defense signed an amendment to the existing “National Ramjet-Powered Air-to-Air Missile GÖKHAN Development Project,” along with a new contract for the development of a long-range variant of the missile.
Minister Kacır stated that TÜBİTAK had previously developed Türkiye’s first air-to-air missiles, BOZDOĞAN and GÖKDOĞAN, and added:“GÖKHAN will be a supersonic missile with significantly higher speed and range. We plan to initiate testing this year. With the newly signed agreements, we aim to further extend the missile’s operational range and ensure it competes globally.”
Türkiye’s 2,000-Kilometer Ballistic Missile Vision
Minister Kacır also highlighted the advancement of Türkiye’s strategic missile capabilities:”The TAYFUN Block-4 ballistic missile has been introduced to the global defense community. Our program for a 2,000-kilometer-range ballistic missile is ongoing.”
He emphasized that SOM, Türkiye’s inaugural indigenous cruise missile developed by TÜBİTAK, is currently undergoing serial production by ROKETSAN. The missile’s domestic turbojet engine was developed by Kale Havacılık. Projects such as ATMACA and ÇAKIR have also significantly bolstered Türkye’s missile technology base.
New Defense Collaborations Signed at IDEF 2025
In addition to the GÖKHAN project, TÜBİTAK has signed several new cooperation protocols and agreements to accelerate innovation in defense technologies:
TUBITAK-ASELSAN: Research and Development Collaboration Protocol
TÜBİTAK SAGE and ROKETSAN are collaborating on the joint development of ramjet propulsion systems for supersonic anti-ship missiles.
TÜBİTAK MAM – Ministry of National Defense (MSB): The establishment of a CBRN Institute is underway.
TÜBİTAK UZAY – Sabancı University: This is to confirm the parties’ agreement to the terms of the Satellite Structural Panels Production Agreement.
A recent agreement was made between TÜBİTAK UZAY and POLOPTECH regarding a navigation system supported by images.
TÜBİTAK SAGE, MKE, and ASFAT have entered into a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) for the development and production of the GÖKHAN missile.
General R&D Cooperation Protocol between TÜBİTAK and MKE
TÜBİTAK SAGE and MKE have entered into a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) regarding the production of 35mm armor-piercing and side-effect munitions.
TÜBİTAK SAGE and MKE have entered into a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) regarding the 2.75-inch CİNGÖZ Guidance Kit.
TÜBİTAK UME – MKE Protocol for Quantum Navigation Technologies and Infrastructure
