Türkiye Tests Air-to-Air Missiles to Replace U.S. Weapons

Türkiye’s GÖKTUĞ air-to-air missile program, launched in 2013 by TÜBİTAK SAGE, has reached its final testing and production phase, marking a milestone in the country’s defense self-sufficiency drive.

With both the Bozdoğan and Gökdoğan missiles now entering serial production, the system positions Türkiye among the few nations capable of independently developing advanced air combat munitions.

Project Overview

The GÖKTUĞ project was designed to replace imported U.S. systems such as the AIM-9 Sidewinder and AIM-120 AMRAAM, reducing Türkiye’s reliance on foreign suppliers and ITAR-restricted components.

Following a 2023 production contract, 25 Bozdoğan and 25 Gökdoğan missiles, along with 14 launchers, are slated for delivery by 2025.

Initially developed for F-16 fighter jets, the missiles are being adapted for UCAVs (AKINCI), manned aircraft (KAAN, HÜRJET), and air defense platforms (GÜRZ, GÖKDEMİR, GÖKSUR).

TÜBİTAK SAGE confirmed that both missiles are ready for acceptance tests, following a series of precision trials throughout 2025.

Missile Capabilities

The Bozdoğan (WVRAAM) and Gökdoğan (BVRAAM) missiles each feature solid-fuel rocket motors, advanced seekers, and high agility for dogfight and long-range engagements respectively.

Feature Bozdoğan (WVRAAM) Gökdoğan (BVRAAM)

• Range 25–30 km 65–100 km
• Guidance Data link Data link
• Seeker Imaging Infrared (IIR) Active RF radar
• Speed Mach 4+ Mach 4+
• Fuze Laser proximity Laser proximity
• Key Traits Thrust Vector Control, all-aspect engagement Multi-target lock, post-launch tracking

Both missiles employ low-smoke propellants, fire-and-forget capability, and jam-resistant targeting.

Recent Test Successes

In October 2025, Türkiye conducted successful live-fire tests from F-16 jets, with both Bozdoğan and Gökdoğan scoring direct hits on high-speed aerial targets. These trials followed a February 2025 test for Gökdoğan and Bozdoğan’s initial aircraft test in 2021, all demonstrating hit-to-kill accuracy.

Future Outlook: GÖKHAN and Beyond

Parallel to GÖKTUĞ, Türkiye is advancing the GÖKHAN ramjet-powered missile, whose Block-1 design has exceeded its original range targets, with Block-2 projected to reach up to 300 km.

Ground tests are scheduled for early 2026, with operational service expected within 2–3 years.