Türkiye’s SOM-J cruise missile makes impact with successful maritime target hit in test

The SOM-J cruise missile, developed through collaboration between TUBITAK Defense Industries Research and Development Institute (SAGE) and Roketsan, has marked a significant milestone by breaking its silence with a high-profile test.

The missile successfully hit a naval platform during its first test against a surface target, showcasing its enhanced operational capabilities.

The SOM-J, a cruise missile designed to be compatible with both manned and unmanned aircraft’s internal weapons stations, had been under development for some time, gaining new capabilities. With recent improvements, the missile has now been equipped to target naval platforms.

The test, conducted by the Turkish Air Force’s 401st Test Squadron using an F-16 Fighting Falcon jet, saw the missile achieve a direct hit on the naval platform, demonstrating its precision.

Key features of SOM-J

The SOM-J cruise missile stands out for its versatility in targeting both land and surface platforms.

Speed: High Subsonic	Range: 275 km [150 nmi]
Length: ~ 3.9 m	Warhead Type: High-Explosive Fragmentation, Armour Piercing
Weight: ~ 540 kg	Platforms: F-35 [JSF], F-16
Seeker: IIR******	Guidance: INS*/GPS**/TRN***/ GRNS****/ATA*****
Warhead Weight: ~ 140 kg

*INS: Inertial Navigation System
**GPS: Global Positioning System
***TRN: Terrain Relative Navigation
****IBN: Image-Based Navigation
*****ATA: Automatic Target Acquisition
******IIR: Imaging Infra-Red

It boasts a range of key attributes, including:

• Autonomous operations
• Post-launch control via data link (re-targeting, target updates, mission cancellation, jamming suppression)
• Compatibility with next-generation aircraft internal weapon stations like the KAAN, Kizilelma and Anka-3
• Infrared seeker for precise targeting
• Optimized warhead for surface targets
• Low radar visibility

Long range	Resistant to countermeasures
Autonomous use	Network-enabled weapon (NEW) capability
Universal Armament Interface (UAI) Compatibility	Capable of Engaging Opportunity Targets
In-Flight Retargeting	Selectable Impact Parameters
Operable in all Weather Conditions	High-Precision Terminal Phase via Imagining Infrared Seeker [IIR] and Data Link
Low Radar Cross Section	Survivable

Minister Kacir’s statement

Minister of Industry and Technology Mehmet Fatih Kacir shared his enthusiasm about the missile’s success on social media posts, emphasizing that the SOM-J would become a vital force multiplier for the Turkish Armed Forces.

“SOM-J will neutralize high-value targets at long ranges, enhancing our military capabilities in modern combat scenarios,” Kacir said. “Its ongoing development will make it one of the game-changing components of our defense industry.”

A game-changer for defense technology

The SOM-J’s integration into Türkiye’s defense ecosystem highlights the country’s growing self-reliance in missile technology.

With its low radar cross-section and high-precision terminal phase guidance, SOM-J is poised to be a critical asset for both manned and unmanned aerial platforms, especially in modern warfare environments where stealth and accuracy are paramount.

The missile’s development is part of Türkiye’s broader efforts to advance its defense industry, and according to Roketsan, the SOM-J will continue to be a critical strike force in future air operations.

Its capabilities include resisting countermeasures and engaging opportunity targets, making it an essential tool for long-range, precise strikes.

‘It will be a force multiplier in the field’

Haluk Gorgun, head of the Turkish Presidency of Defence Industries (SSB), also took to social media to celebrate the success of the SOM-J, calling it a testament to Türkiye’s technological prowess.

“SOM-J successfully hit its surface target under difficult conditions. This smart ammunition, developed with our domestic and national engineering, demonstrates our nation’s determination, the point our defense industry has reached, and our belief in the future. Our strike force from the skies is now more effective, quieter and more accurate.

I wholeheartedly congratulate Roketsan, TUBITAK SAGE, our Presidency personnel, our subcontractors and all our stakeholders who contributed to the acquisition of this critical capability, which will be a force multiplier in the field for our heroic army,” Gorgun stated.

“We are taking stronger steps today to defend our future,” he added.