As Iran and Israel exchange high-speed missile strikes, Ankara is poised to intensify its long-range missile programs — with systems like CENK and GEZGİN drawing growing attention.
Recent developments in the Middle East — particularly Israel’s controversial airstrikes deep into Iranian territory and Iran’s response with high-speed ballistic and hypersonic missiles — have placed the spotlight on Turkey’s own missile capabilities. Experts believe these tensions will catalyze Ankara’s focus on advancing its indigenous missile systems.
Regional Escalation Highlights Strategic Gaps and Strengths
While the outcome of the Iran-Israel confrontation remains uncertain, the mutual strikes have already revealed critical lessons in modern warfare. Israel’s ability to strike Iran from afar demonstrates the power of air superiority and precision systems, whereas Iran’s use of ballistic missiles — including hypersonic weapons that managed to evade even the most advanced Israeli and allied air defenses — underlines the enduring threat of missile technology.
Defense analyst Anıl Şahin, speaking on the implications of these developments, emphasized the need for countries to possess a diverse set of capabilities simultaneously:
“You need to strike with surgical precision, break through missile defenses with ballistic systems, and protect yourself with layered air defense. These three together form a complete modern deterrence.”
According to Şahin, Iran excels in missile development but severely lacks in effective air defense, which has left it vulnerable to Israeli airstrikes. “Their weapons model is fundamentally flawed,” he stated.
Turkey’s Expanding Arsenal and Strategic Focus
Turkey’s rapid growth in defense technology over the past decade has enabled it to simultaneously manage a wide range of complex projects — from 5th-generation fighter jets to unmanned aerial vehicles such as KIZILELMA and ANKA-3, and a broad spectrum of smart munitions.
In the missile domain, key programs include:
- Ballistic Missiles: CENK, TAYFUN, BORA
- Cruise Missiles: GEZGİN, SOM
- Naval Missiles: ATMACA, KARA ATMACA
- Tactical Munitions: TOLUN, ÇAKIR
- Electronic Warfare: KORAL-2, ALP
- Naval Projects: TF-2000 Destroyer, National Aircraft Carrier, National Submarine
Şahin noted that while managing over 30 warships under construction and several high-priority aerospace projects, Turkey must allocate human and financial resources carefully:
“Meeting urgent needs takes precedence. It’s a massive undertaking to develop all of this simultaneously — especially with the aim of full technological sovereignty.”
Erdoğan’s Remarks Signal Strategic Acceleration
President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan recently signaled a shift in defense strategy, declaring:
“We are updating our production plans to ensure that our medium- and long-range missile stockpiles reach a level of deterrence. Soon, we’ll have a defense capacity so strong that no one would dare to challenge us.”
This message, analysts say, sets a clear course. Şahin believes the President’s statement indicates a likely acceleration in long-range missile programs, especially the CENK ballistic missile and GEZGİN cruise missile.
CENK, still under wraps, is expected to represent a significant leap forward.
“This will be the most dangerous Turkish ballistic missile developed to date,” Şahin noted. “It will mark a turning point — a breakout moment for Turkey in ballistic missile technology.”
Precision and Speed: The Future of Turkish Missiles
One of the most debated issues in ballistic missile design today is accuracy. While Iran’s missiles have demonstrated impressive speed, they often lack precision. Turkey, however, has made significant strides in this area.
Şahin cited Roketsan’s recent test of the TAYFUN missile, which reportedly struck its target with centimeter-level accuracy:
“That kind of precision is extremely difficult to achieve with a ballistic missile. And Turkey is already moving towards even faster, longer-range systems that can maneuver mid-flight and carry powerful warheads.”
He concluded with confidence in the path ahead:
“The next generation of Turkish missiles will combine speed, range, accuracy, and agility. They’ll hit exactly where intended — and they’ll be nearly impossible to stop.”
