Türkiye’s Indigenous SOM-J Missile Hits Sea Target with Precision in Test Launch

In a significant demonstration of Türkiye's advancing defense capabilities, Minister of Industry and Technology, Mehmet Fatih Kacır, shared a video showcasing the live test of the SOM-J cruise missile. The footage highlights the missile's launch, mid-course guidance, terminal phase, and successful engagement of a stationary sea target. This achievement underscores the nation's progress in developing advanced, domestically produced weapon systems.

Missile Specifications

The SOM-J is an air-launched cruise missile developed by TÜBİTAK SAGE in collaboration with Roketsan. Designed for precision strikes against heavily defended land and naval targets, it boasts the following specifications:

• Length: Approximately 3.9 meters

• Weight: Around 540 kilograms

• Range: Up to 275 kilometers (150 nautical miles)

• Warhead: High-explosive fragmentation or armor-piercing, weighing about 140 kilograms

• Guidance System: Inertial Navigation System (INS), GPS, Terrain Reference Navigation (TRN), Global Radar Navigation System (GRNS), and Automatic Target Acquisition (ATA)

• Seeker: Imaging Infrared (IIR)

• Speed: High subsonic

• Launch Platforms: F-35, F-16, and Unmanned Combat Aerial Vehicles (UCAVs)

The missile's modular design enhances its operational flexibility, making it a cost-effective solution with reduced observability.

Test Details and Performance

The recent live-fire test, conducted in October 2025, involved launching the SOM-J missile at a stationary sea target. The missile demonstrated exceptional performance, executing demanding maneuvers to evade defense and radar systems while maintaining low-altitude flight close to the surface. Telemetry analysis confirmed its steady flight, precise target engagement, and adherence to mission parameters.

Minister Kacır emphasized that the successful test reflects Türkiye's advanced engineering capabilities and the nation's commitment to enhancing its defense industry. He noted that the SOM-J missile exemplifies the progress made in reducing dependence on foreign defense technologies.

Strategic Implications

The successful deployment of the SOM-J missile marks a significant milestone in Türkiye's defense strategy. By integrating advanced indigenous technologies, Türkiye enhances its deterrence capabilities and operational autonomy. The missile's versatility across various launch platforms and its precision strike capability make it a formidable asset in modern warfare scenarios.

This achievement not only bolsters Türkiye's defense posture but also positions the nation as a key player in the global defense industry, showcasing its ability to develop and deploy cutting-edge military technologies.

As Türkiye continues to advance its defense capabilities, the SOM-J cruise missile stands as a testament to the nation's commitment to innovation, self-reliance, and strategic defense excellence.