ASELSAN, the leading company in the Turkish defense industry, has successfully completed the first live-fire test of the GÖKTAN project. This major step has enabled the TOLUN munition to gain precision strike capability from land to land by integrating it with the DeltaV rocket engine.
The test was conducted on February 18th, and the fact that the ammunition hit its designated target with pinpoint accuracy once again demonstrated Türkiye's rise in defense technologies.
The GÖKTAN system adds a new dimension to the TOLUN munition launched from air platforms. Combined with the DeltaV's high-tech rocket engine, TOLUN can deploy its wings after separation, enabling precise strikes on long-range targets. ASELSAN's achievement demonstrates how Turkish engineering capabilities can be combined across different fields and highlights the power of domestic production in the defense industry.
A Historic Turning Point in the Turkish Defense Industry
Turkey has been taking significant steps in recent years to reduce its dependence on foreign sources in the defense industry. ASELSAN's GÖKTAN project stands out as one of the most concrete examples of this vision. According to web sources, the success of GÖKTAN represents progress parallel to developments showing that Turkish defense exports reached a record level of $5.5 billion in 2023. Following the test, Undersecretary of Defense Industry Haluk Görgün stated, ’TOLUN, after separating from the rocket, deployed its wings and reached the target with pinpoint accuracy. This proves the competence of the Turkish defense industry in the global arena.“.
GÖKTAN is being compared to systems like the GLSDB (Ground Launched Small Diameter Bomb) developed by the US and Sweden. However, it is stated that the Turkish system offers a wider range and improved thrust control thanks to its hybrid rocket engine.
Why is Aselsan's Goktan System Important?
The Turkish defense industry has gained international recognition in recent years with drones like the Bayraktar TB-2. The GÖKTAN project extends this success to ground operations, strengthening Türkiye's strategic independence. The collaboration between ASELSAN and DeltaV offers a combination of innovative engineering approaches, responding to the modern needs of the Turkish army.
ASELSAN's GÖKTAN success has the potential to further increase Türkiye's defense industry exports. Investments in domestic technologies are transforming the country into a global player, both economically and strategically. Defense analysts predict that GÖKTAN will attract interest in international markets in the near future and solidify Türkiye's leadership in the defense industry.
This development is a source of pride for the Turkish people, and it also marks the beginning of a period that should be closely watched by those who want to follow innovations in the defense industry. ASELSAN's GÖKTAN project continues to push the boundaries of Turkish engineering!
