ALBAWABA-Turkey has unveiled its longest-range and most advanced ballistic missile to date, the hypersonic Tayfun Block-4, at the 17th International Defense Industry Fair (IDEF) held in Istanbul.
Developed by defense giant Roketsan, the Tayfun Block-4 marks a major milestone for the Turkish defense sector.
Weighing over 7 tons and measuring 10 meters in length, the missile features a multi-purpose warhead designed to target strategic enemy assets such as air defense systems, command centers, and military infrastructure from long distances.
While its range remains undisclosed, its hypersonic classification signifies a significant enhancement in offensive deterrent capability.
The Tayfun Block-4 was among six new defense systems revealed by Roketsan, including the Gokbora beyond-visual-range air-to-air missile (with a range exceeding 100 nautical miles), the Eren high-speed loitering munition (with a range of over 100 km), and the Atmaca missile's new submarine-launched variant, Akata. Also featured were the 300 Er air-launched ballistic missile, capable of striking targets more than 500 km away depending on launch parameters, and Simsek-2, a satellite-space launch vehicle with plans to place 1,500 kg payloads into sun-synchronous orbit. Roketsan announced the first test launch of the Simsek-1 is scheduled for 2027.
Roketsan CEO Murat Ikinci highlighted the company’s role in expanding Türkiye’s global defense presence, noting that over 60 of its systems are currently in use by modern armies worldwide, including the Turkish Armed Forces.
He added that the new systems showcase Türkiye’s growing innovation and self-reliance in defense technologies.
The unveiling has stirred regional attention. Israeli opposition leader Yair Lapid criticized Israel’s government for failing to prevent arms sales, particularly Eurofighter Typhoons, to Türkiye by Germany and Britain.
Lapid warned that Turkey's growing missile and naval capabilities, combined with its ambitions to match Israeli air superiority, could alter the region’s strategic balance. Turkey now boasts the largest navy in the Middle East and is rapidly advancing toward achieving parity in air power.
IDEF 2025 hosts more than 1,300 defense companies from over 100 countries, including 44 nations with official stalls.
The event, supported by Turkey’s Defense Industries Secretariat and the Turkish Armed Forces Foundation, reflects Ankara’s ambition to position itself as a major player in global defense innovation.
