Turkish Industry and Technology Minister Mehmet Fatih Kacır outlined the project during the 2026 budget hearings in the Grand National Assembly. He detailed milestones across the KAAN fighter, KIZILELMA drone, and TAYFUN ballistic missile programs as part of Türkiye’s broader military modernization.

Tayfun Program Reaches New Phase

Minister Kacır said tests of the TAYFUN ballistic missile continue, also with a new missile under development capable of 2,000 km range.

The missile forms part of Türkiye’s expanding strike capabilities, complementing systems such as SOM-J cruise missiles and SİPER long-range air defenses.

Initial TAYFUN versions reportedly reached 500–1,000 km, and the latest phase marks a fourfold increase in potential reach.

Broader Defense Ecosystem

Kacır also highlighted progress across multiple air and naval systems.

The KAAN National Combat Aircraft’s integration of indigenous weapons—including GÖKDOĞAN, BOZDOĞAN, and GÖKHAN air-to-air missiles—continues, alongside ANKA-3 and KIZILELMA unmanned aircraft programs.

He said the ramjet-powered GÖKHAN, once in production, will become “one of NATO’s longest-range” air-to-air systems.

Emphasis on Autonomy and Deterrence

The minister emphasized that domestic production covers all domains—air, land, sea, and space—and that Türkiye will “raise deterrence to the highest level.”

Key milestones include Altay tank deliveries, MİLGEM corvette launches, and the IŞIK high-energy laser system, which can blind targets at 5 km and destroy moving ones at 1.5 km.

Integration and Testing Momentum

Kacır confirmed the successful integration of SOM-J and indigenous turbojet motors and announced the TEI-made engine powering Bayraktar TB3 drones now in service.

He cited SANCAR unmanned naval system trials and SİPER Block-2 long-range missile tests as indicators of sustained momentum in Türkiye’s strategic defense posture.