Türkiye Tests Hypersonic Tayfun Block-3 Missile Against Moving Sea Target

Türkiye announced Saturday the successful test launch of the Tayfun Block-3, an extended-range, classified variant of the country’s indigenous short-range ballistic missile (SRBM) family.

Developed by defense contractor Roketsan, the system engaged a freely moving unmanned surface vessel during the trial. The live-warhead test demonstrated the integration of a seeker head onto a ballistic trajectory.

Maritime Target Engagement

The trial marks the first instance of a Turkish ballistic missile successfully tracking and destroying a mobile maritime asset.

The targeted vessel, an unmanned craft approximately 7 meters long, simulated a small enemy ship.

The Tayfun Block-3 struck the surrogate fishing boat with a live warhead. This achievement represents a rare global instance of a ballistic missile utilizing a seeker head to eliminate an active surface target.

Technical Specifications

Roketsan engineered the Tayfun system to neutralize deep-strike objectives with high reliability.

The missile accelerates to hypersonic speeds during its flight path. This velocity profile is designed to bypass existing air defense networks.

The integrated seeker head enables high-precision terminal guidance. This surgical accuracy is intended to prevent unintended collateral damage during engagements.