Turkish defense contractor ROKETSAN said it has successfully completed test firings of its KARAOK short-range anti-tank missile system under multiple operational scenarios, marking a key step toward full-rate production.
The company said the system achieved “pinpoint accuracy” in engagements conducted across four different user scenarios, demonstrating its readiness for varied battlefield conditions. The tests underscore progress in enhancing the Turkish Armed Forces’ anti-armor capabilities.
ROKETSAN said it would “continue to enhance the Turkish Armed Forces’ effectiveness in the field through the technologies it has developed,” as Ankara pushes to expand indigenous defense systems.
The KARAOK program is part of a broader procurement effort formalized during a Ground Missile Systems Contract Signing Ceremony in February 2024, under the Presidency of Defense Industries. Contracts were signed for the production of multiple systems, including Tayfun, Sungur, KARAOK, and the Laser-Guided-230 missile.
KARAOK is a shoulder-fired, fire-and-forget anti-tank guided missile designed for single-operator use. The 125 mm system is equipped with an imaging infrared (IIR) seeker, enabling day-and-night operations, and supports both top-attack and direct-hit engagement modes.
The missile’s range, initially announced at 1,000 meters, has reportedly been extended to approximately 2,500 meters following system improvements. Its low backblast and compact design make it suitable for urban combat environments.
Development of KARAOK began in 2016, with initial operational capability achieved in 2020. The system entered service with the Turkish Armed Forces in 2022, and subsequent tests demonstrated consistent performance, including successful strikes at ranges between 500 and 1,500 meters and effective top-attack capability at distances as short as 50–60 meters.
In December 2025, KARAOK was also tested in integration with unmanned ground vehicles under the AGMOSS network-enabled warfare project. The system successfully engaged targets when deployed via PUSU and PALEM platforms, highlighting its compatibility with autonomous and network-centric operations.
KARAOK secured its first export contract with Malaysia in 2023. The agreement, valued at approximately $20 million, includes 108 missiles, 18 launchers, simulators and test equipment, with deliveries expected to begin in 2026. The system is set to replace legacy Metis-M anti-tank weapons in Malaysia’s inventory.
Türkiye is continuing serial production for domestic requirements, with orders estimated at 300 to 330 units. The system has also been showcased at international defense exhibitions, positioning it as a competitive option in the global anti-tank missile market.
The advancement of KARAOK reflects Ankara’s broader strategy to strengthen defense self-reliance and expand export-oriented capabilities, particularly in portable precision-guided munitions and network-enabled warfare systems.
