GÖKDOĞAN Air-to-Air Missile Achieves Successful Test Launch
**The GÖKDOĞAN air-to-air missile has successfully destroyed a target aircraft during a recent test launch. This significant milestone was achieved by TÜBİTAK SAGE, demonstrating the missile’s capabilities in a real-world scenario. Minister of Industry and Technology, Mehmet Fatih Kacır, announced the successful test via his official X account, highlighting that this is Turkey’s first indigenous and national air-to-air missile designed for beyond-visual-range engagements. He emphasized the importance of this achievement for Turkey’s technological independence in critical defense sectors.**
This successful test comes as part of the GÖKTUĞ Project, which was initiated back in December 2012 through an agreement between the Ministry of National Defense and TÜBİTAK SAGE. Initially focused on the air-to-air missile requirements of the Turkish Air Force, the project was later transitioned to the Presidency of Defence Industries in 2016 to streamline the development process.
Under the auspices of the GÖKTUĞ Project, the development aims to create two missile configurations for the F-16 PO-I aircraft: the Within-Visual-Range BOZDOĞAN and the Beyond-Visual-Range GÖKDOĞAN. The project also includes plans for qualification processes and prototype deliveries to meet the operational needs of the Air Force.
In line with these objectives, a contract was signed on July 7, 2023, for the integration and low-rate initial production of both BOZDOĞAN and GÖKDOĞAN missiles for the F-16 PO-III aircraft. This contract is a crucial step toward enhancing the air combat capabilities of the Turkish Air Force.
The GÖKDOĞAN missile boasts several advanced features, including a solid-state active radar seeker, intelligent guidance for ‘fire-and-forget’ capabilities, and advanced countermeasure technology. It can update target information through a data link, enabling it to engage multiple targets from various angles.
In terms of propulsion, the GÖKDOĞAN utilizes high thrust, low smoke solid fuel technology, ensuring high reliability and safety. The missile’s warhead is an original design, maximizing lethality while maintaining high safety standards with a continuous fuse.
Furthermore, the GÖKDOĞAN missile is compatible with the LAU-129 launcher, adhering to military standards. As development progresses, both the BOZDOĞAN and GÖKDOĞAN missiles are approaching completion, marking a pivotal advancement in Turkey’s defense capabilities.
