Türkiye to expand Tayfun ballistic missile program with new variants

Türkiye’s indigenous short-range ballistic missile, Tayfun, is advancing with new variants underdevelopment, according to Roketsan officials.

Following a successful test launch, the missile system is set to expand with additional capabilities, reinforcing Türkiye’s growing missile technology portfolio.

Tayfun’s evolving capabilities

Speaking exclusively to the Turkish media outlet, TRT Haber at the IDEX 2025 defense expo in Abu Dhabi, Roketsan General Manager Murat Ikinci emphasized the missile’s precision and technological advancements.

“We have demonstrated Tayfun’s surgical strike capability to the world. This missile represents cutting-edge technology, and Türkiye is on track to become one of the leading nations in ballistic missile development,” Ikinci said.

Contrary to the perception that Tayfun is a single missile system, Ikinci clarified that multiple variants will emerge with different ranges and warheads. “Tayfun will be known as a family of ballistic missiles rather than a standalone system,” he added.

New variants in development

President Recep Tayyip Erdogan previously stated that Türkiye aims to increase its stock of 800-kilometer (497.0 miles) range missiles and accelerate the development of 2,000-kilometer range systems. Ikinci confirmed that Roketsan is actively working on these targets.

“We are not only in serial production for Tayfun, but also working on expanding its variants and enhancing its operational capabilities,” Ikinci noted.

Siper Block 2, Steel Dome air defense initiatives

Alongside Tayfun’s expansion, Roketsan is focusing on Türkiye’s air defense infrastructure.

The company is accelerating efforts to integrate the Siper Block 2 missile, which has a 150-km range, into the national inventory.

This system will play a key role in Türkiye’s upcoming Steel Dome defense initiative, aimed at protecting both the homeland and maritime territories.

“Our primary focus is to ensure Siper Block 2’s rapid deployment. This missile will be a critical component of Steel Dome, providing the longest-range and most effective strike capabilities,” Ikinci explained.

Additionally, Roketsan continues its work on the Levent air defense system, which is expected to enhance Türkiye’s naval defense capabilities significantly.

Ikinci hinted at forthcoming announcements regarding Levent’s operational status.

Türkiye’s expanding defense capabilities

Roketsan remains committed to innovation in missile technology, with ongoing testing and development projects aimed at enhancing national security and strategic deterrence.

As these systems become operational, Türkiye’s defense sector is set to solidify its position as a key player in global defense and missile technology.

“The developments in Tayfun and our air defense systems represent a major leap in Türkiye’s self-reliance on military technology. We will continue to share updates as our projects progress,” Ikinci concluded.