Roketsan Achieves Milestone with Successful Test-Firing of Long-Range Atmaca UM Cruise Missile

In a significant advancement for Turkish defense technology, Roketsan has successfully tested its Atmaca UM cruise missile, a long-range variant of the previously developed Atmaca anti-ship missile. This pivotal test, conducted at the company's facility on Türkiye's Sinop peninsula along the Black Sea, demonstrates Turkey’s growing capabilities in missile technology.

The Atmaca UM, previously known as the Atmaca Kara, is designed to target strategic land-based objectives. Unlike its predecessor, which was primarily an anti-ship missile, the Atmaca UM is tailored for precision strikes against ground targets. The test was prominently showcased in a video released by Roketsan, highlighting the missile being launched from a mobile platform and successfully hitting a target on a floating platform. While the exact distance of the test was not disclosed, the successful strike underscores the missile’s enhanced performance.

One of the key upgrades of the Atmaca UM over the original Atmaca is its increased range. The Atmaca UM boasts a range of up to 280 kilometers, a notable improvement from the Atmaca’s range of approximately 220 kilometers. This extended reach allows for greater flexibility in operational planning and strike capabilities. Furthermore, the Atmaca UM is equipped with an advanced imaging infrared (IIR) seeker, which provides superior terminal guidance compared to the active radar seeker of earlier models. This upgrade enhances the missile’s accuracy and resistance to electronic countermeasures.

Haluk Görgün, the Secretary of Turkish Defence Industries, commended Roketsan for this achievement, emphasizing the missile’s robustness against jamming and its precision in hitting high-value targets. This development not only strengthens Türkiye's defense arsenal but also marks a crucial step in the nation’s efforts to enhance its strategic strike capabilities.