ROKETSAN's long-range ballistic missile TAYFUN, in a test firing conducted with its Block-3 variant, struck a target using a seeker head for the first time. In test footage shared via the social media accounts of Professor Dr. Haluk Görgün, President of the Defence Industry Agency, and ROKETSAN General Manager Murat İkinci, the missile – launched from a platform in the Black Sea – was seen destroying a moving target on the sea surface with pinpoint accuracy.
A First for Türkiye: Seeker Head on a Ballistic Missile
Murat İkinci announced the test success with the words: "With seeker head integration, we have once again demonstrated the level our engineering capabilities have reached." Emphasising that this capability, which has only a few examples worldwide, was achieved for the first time in Türkiye, İkinci noted that the test was conducted with the TAYFUN Block-3.
Seeker head integration represents a critical capability leap for ballistic missiles. This technology enables the missile to detect and lock onto its target using its own sensors during the terminal phase, delivering a highly precise strike. Previously relying solely on inertial navigation and satellite-based guidance systems, TAYFUN has now become effective against moving targets thanks to the seeker head. This makes the platform usable not only against fixed strategic targets but also for engaging time-critical targets in the tactical domain.
About the TAYFUN Missile
TAYFUN is a Short-Range Ballistic Missile (SRBM) system developed by ROKETSAN. Launched from a mobile platform, the missile has a range exceeding 600 kilometres. Powered by a solid-fuel rocket motor, TAYFUN features a high-speed terminal phase and an unpredictable trajectory profile, providing the ability to penetrate air defence systems. First tested in 2022, the Block-1 variant was delivered to the inventory in limited numbers, while the Block-2 variant was delivered to the Turkish Armed Forces in 2026. Produced entirely with domestic capabilities, the system is regarded as one of Türkiye's strategic platforms capable of independently providing long-range precision strike capability.
Third Variant in the TAYFUN Family
Haluk Görgün commented: "The Block-3 variant of the TAYFUN missile, developed with national capabilities, has taken our long-range precision strike capability to an even higher level." Within the TAYFUN family, the Block-1 variant had been tested previously, while Block-2 entered the Turkish Armed Forces inventory last month during Exercise EFES-2026. With Block-3, the missile has reached a new operational level through seeker head integration.
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