Turkey’s top defense and technology officials have confirmed the development of a long-range ballistic missile program with a declared range of 2,000 kilometers, signaling a new phase in the country’s ambition to become a regional military power with homegrown capabilities.
Minister of Industry and Technology Mehmet Fatih Kacır, in a public statement this week, said, “We have declared that Turkey has a 2,000 km missile program.” He added that “We now access the most advanced technologies nationally. Turkey is in a game-changing position.”
“In missile technology, Turkey has reached a very advanced level,” Kacır said.
The announcement follows comments made earlier by Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan, who reaffirmed Ankara’s determination to expand missile production.
“In short order, we’ll have a defense capacity that no one will dare challenge,” Erdoğan said during a speech in June.
Officials suggest the 2,000 km cruise and ballistic missile project aligns with Ankara’s effort to reshape the regional balance of power and ensure strategic depth well beyond its borders. Such range would theoretically place parts of Central Europe, North Africa, and large swaths of the Middle East within reach of Turkish-launched missiles.
Although officials have not yet disclosed technical specifications or test timelines for the 2,000 km missile project, experts expect the system to be air-, land-, or sea-launched and equipped with guidance technology already seen in the SOM and TAYFUN programs.
Kacır emphasised that Turkey is no longer merely participating in defence innovation but helping to define its direction. “Turkey has reached a point where it develops its own UAVs, missiles, and guidance systems. We are not dependent on foreign technology,” he said.
In recent years, Turkish companies like ROKETSAN, TAI, and Aselsan have expanded their roles in missile development, producing systems ranging from short-range tactical weapons to long-range air defense and cruise missiles. Turkish drones, such as Bayraktar TB2 and Akıncı, are increasingly being paired with these domestically developed missiles, allowing for integrated combat operations with Turkish-origin platforms.
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