The ATMACA Long-Range (UM) missile has set a new record by achieving the longest range and flight duration in its latest firing test.
In an official statement, ROKETSAN announced: “Our longest-range cruise missile, the Land ATMACA (ATMACA UM), has broken its own record by achieving the longest range and duration flight in its latest firing test.”
Kara ATMACA: Turkey’s Advanced Land-Based Cruise Missile
Kara ATMACA is a long-range, tactical, wheeled-vehicle-launched cruise missile designed to meet the requirements of the Turkish Land Forces Command. With a range exceeding 280+ km, the missile is being developed by ROKETSAN and is expected to enter service in 2025.
The development contract for Kara ATMACA was signed on August 18, 2021, between the Presidency of Defence Industries (SSB) and ROKETSAN. The missile features a 250 kg warhead and an imaging infrared (IIR) seeker, allowing it to strike designated targets with centimeter-level precision while executing aggressive maneuvers.
Strategic Targets and Technological Independence
Kara ATMACA is designed to neutralize high-value targets, including:
- Strategic land assets
- Air defense batteries
- Surface-to-surface missile systems
The missile is powered by the KTJ-3700 Turbojet Engine, developed indigenously by Kale R&D, eliminating foreign dependency in its production and potential exports.
At the IDEF 2021 defense exhibition, a separate agreement was signed between ROKETSAN and Kale ARGE for the KTJ-3200 Turbojet Engine Procurement and Integration Project, aimed at equipping SOM and ATMACA missiles with domestically produced engines.
ATMACA’s First Land-to-Sea Strike
The Turkish Ministry of National Defence announced that ATMACA, Turkey’s surface-to-surface national guided missile, successfully completed its first land-to-sea test using the Mobile Guided Missile System.
In March 2024, the ATMACA missile, powered by Turkey’s first domestically produced turbojet engine (KTJ-3200) developed by Kale R&D, successfully hit its target. The KTJ-3200, which has been under development since 2013, will replace the TR-40 turbojet engine previously supplied from France and used in SOM, SOM-J, and ATMACA missiles.
Strengthening Turkey’s Defense Industry
The development of KTJ-3200 and KTJ-3700 represents a significant leap in Turkey’s defense industry, reducing foreign dependency and enhancing export potential. The KTJ-3700, with higher thrust and advanced features, positions Turkey at the forefront of missile technology.
Both engines have drawn international interest, further cementing Turkey’s strategic role in the global defense sector.
