The HİSAR-D RF, a medium-range air defense missile developed by ROKETSAN and launched from the National Vertical Launch System (MİDLAS), successfully destroyed a target unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) during a test firing from the TCG İSTANBUL (F-515) frigate.
This marks the second MİDLAS-HİSAR-D RF launch from TCG Istanbul and the first live target engagement at sea. MİDLAS was initially designed for TF-2000 air defense destroyers but was adapted for the İstif-class frigates following the U.S. embargo on the Mk 41 Vertical Launch System (VLS). This rapid integration has enabled the Turkish Navy to achieve high-tier air defense capabilities independently.
STM, the main contractor for TCG İSTANBUL, which was built at Istanbul Shipyard Command, provided the technical infrastructure for the test.
HİSAR-D RF Missile and Indigenous Kill Chain
The HİSAR-D RF is a medium-range, medium-altitude air defense missile equipped with an active RF seeker head. Its range exceeds 25 km, though the range of the official naval version is undisclosed.
The missile was launched from the 16-cell MİDLAS system, which was also developed by ROKETSAN. The indigenous kill chain includes:
- CENK-S AESA search radar (ASELSAN)
- AKREP illumination radar (ASELSAN)
- Sapan air defense fire control system (ASELSAN);
; and the ADVENT combat management system (HAVELSAN).
This test represented the first live-fire demonstration of a fully indigenous engagement sequence integrating domestic sensors, command and control systems, and missile technologies.
MİDLAS Multi-Munition Capability
One of the key advantages of MİDLAS is its Quad-Pack capability, which allows for four missiles per cell — up to 64 missiles in total. The system supports multiple munition types, including:
– HİSAR-D RF
ESSM
ATMACA
SİPER Block I/II
GEZGIN.
Future plans include integrating cruise missiles, anti-ship missiles, and torpedo munitions into the system.
MİLDAS-HİSAR-D RF Test Timeline:
December 3, 2022: Land test. First MİDLAS launch of HİSAR-D RF at the Aksaray Firing Range.
March 12–14, 2024: First ship launch. MİDLAS launch of the HİSAR-D RF missile from the TCG Istanbul in a maritime environment (target engagement not disclosed).
August 15, 2025: First live target engagement. Successful destruction of a UAV target during the second MİDLAS-HİSAR-D RF firing from TCG Istanbul.
The operational maturity of the HİSAR-D RF system at sea positions the Turkish Navy to integrate long-range systems, such as the SİPER-D system. Following the U.S. embargo, the development of MİDLAS has shifted Turkey to a fully indigenous vertical launch solution. This enhances the air defense capabilities of the İstif-class frigates and paves the way for deployment on the TF-2000 destroyers and other naval platforms.
