Türkiye tests Kuzgun-KY missile from Marlin unmanned surface vehicle

Türkiye has successfully conducted a ballistic test launch of the Kuzgun-KY cruise missile from the Marlin unmanned surface vehicle (USV), according to a statement from the Presidency of Defense Industries (SSB).

Haluk Gorgun, head of the SSB said, “The ballistic test firing conducted with the Kuzgun (KY) cruise missile from our Marlin unmanned surface vehicle is one of the most concrete examples of the capabilities we have achieved in the field of technology and defense.”

‘Türkiye has become technology-producing power’

The test launch from the Marlin unmanned naval vehicle is seen as one of the clearest examples of Türkiye’s growing capabilities in defense technology.

“This critical success clearly demonstrates that we produce game-changing technologies in the field with local and national projects. With this unique capability in the world, Türkiye has proven once again that it has become a technology-producing power by increasing its competencies in the defense industry,” Gorgun stated on his social media account.

Gorgun pointed out that the achievement underscores Türkiye’s role as a technology-producing force, enhancing its competence in the global defense sector.

Collaborative achievement in Turkish defense industry

The success of the test is the result of cooperation between Aselsan, SEFINE Shipyard, and TUBITAK SAGE.

Gorgun noted that this breakthrough represents only a milestone in Türkiye’s broader defense ambitions, stating, “We are walking toward bigger goals with sure steps by working together for the security and independence of our nation.”

He expressed gratitude to the engineers and experts who contributed to the success by saying, “We did it together, we are strong together!” and he added, “We are working tirelessly to have Türkiye’s name written in golden letters among the leading countries in defense technologies.”

Kuzgun missile family and technical advancements

The Kuzgun Moduler Joint Ammunition family, first exhibited at Teknofest 2022 by TUBITAK SAGE, has undergone several technical updates.

Kuzgun-KY, the lightest of the family at 75 kilograms with a 10 kilogram warhead, is designed for both land and sea platforms and is also slated for integration with unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs). With a range exceeding 40 kilometers, it has proven to be versatile across multiple platforms.

Kuzgun-TJ, with a heavier warhead (14 kilograms) and weighing 85 kilograms, is equipped with thermobaric and fragmentation warhead options. It is expected to be launched from UAVs, land, sea platforms, and helicopters, further extending its application in various combat scenarios.

Another variant, Kuzgun-SS, tested during the EFES-2022 exercises, has been integrated with the Aksungur UCAV. With a 14-kilogram warhead module and booster, Kuzgun-SS is effective for short-range strikes, reaching 40 kilometers at 0.2 Mach speed.