Turkish defense company ROKETSAN is expected to export more than 500 of its cutting-edge “ATMACA” anti-ship missiles, solidifying its competitive stance in the global arms market. With customers in Southeast Asia, including Indonesia and Malaysia, this missile is set to challenge established anti-ship systems such as the U.S.-made Harpoon and the French Exocet, both of which have dominated the market for decades. The ATMACA’s superior range, advanced technological features, and cost-effectiveness are creating ripples in the defense industry, drawing attention from international navies.
According to recent reports from Turkish defense media, ROKETSAN’s success in exporting more than 500 ATMACA missiles signals a major win for Turkey’s defense industry. Indonesia and Malaysia have emerged as key partners, each planning to integrate the missile system into their respective naval fleets.
Indonesia was the first country in Southeast Asia to place an order for the ATMACA, signing a contract in early 2024 for the procurement of 45 missiles. The deal, brokered through PT Republik Defensindo, a local Indonesian defense firm, will see the ATMACA deployed on several of Indonesia’s warships. These include the Fatahillah-class corvettes, Parhim-class corvettes, and the KCR FPB 57 fast attack craft.
Following in Indonesia’s footsteps, Malaysia has also joined the list of ATMACA customers. The Royal Malaysian Navy (RMN) has committed to acquiring the missile system for its next-generation Littoral Mission Ships (LMS) Batch 2. These ships, built by the Turkish company Savunma Teknolojieri Muhendislik (STM), are scheduled for construction this year, with delivery expected within 3.5 years.
The Malaysian deal is particularly significant as the country becomes the second in Southeast Asia, after Indonesia, to opt for the ATMACA system. The missile will equip the LMS Batch 2 ships, which are based on the ADA-class corvette design, a proven platform known for its reliability and operational flexibility in international waters.
Developed by ROKETSAN, the ATMACA anti-ship missile represents a significant technological advancement in naval warfare. With a range of 250 kilometers, the missile outperforms both the Harpoon Block II and Exocet Block III systems, which have ranges of 130 km and 200 km respectively. The ATMACA also boasts several unique features that make it stand out in the increasingly competitive anti-ship missile market.
- Advanced Guidance Systems: The ATMACA uses a combination of an Inertial Navigation System (INS) and Global Positioning System (GPS) guidance, enabling it to accurately track and strike targets in diverse environmental conditions.
- Autonomous Functionality: One of the missile’s key attributes is its ability to operate autonomously, reducing the need for operator input once launched.
- Low Radar Cross-Section (RCS): The ATMACA’s design minimizes its visibility to enemy radar, enhancing its survivability in contested environments. This feature is crucial for modern naval warfare, where stealth and evasion are often the difference between success and failure.
- All-Weather Capability: Unlike some of its competitors, the ATMACA can function effectively in all weather conditions, ensuring operational readiness regardless of environmental factors.
- Mission Flexibility: The missile includes 3D mission planning, allowing for complex route navigation and target updates mid-flight via a datalink. Additionally, operators can abort missions if necessary, giving navies an unprecedented level of control over their engagements.
The development and export of the ATMACA missile align with Turkey’s broader strategy to achieve self-sufficiency in its defense systems. For decades, Turkey, like many other countries, has relied on foreign-made weapons systems to equip its military forces. However, under its current defense policy, the country is moving to reduce its dependence on foreign suppliers, particularly the United States.
In 2023, Turkey announced plans to phase out over 350 aging U.S.-made Harpoon missiles currently in service with its navy. The Harpoons will be replaced with the domestically produced ATMACA missiles, with the integration set to be completed by 2027. This shift is expected to save Turkey approximately $500 million, as the ATMACA missile is reportedly half the price of the Harpoon.
The savings from this transition are not just financial. By producing its own missile systems, Turkey is gaining greater control over its defense infrastructure, enhancing its strategic independence. The ATMACA project is a clear example of Turkey’s growing defense capabilities, which have seen rapid development over the past decade. Since the missile’s public unveiling in 2019, ROKETSAN has worked to ensure it meets the highest international standards, positioning it as a viable alternative to Western-made systems.
The entry of the ATMACA missile into the global arms market introduces new competition for established players like the U.S.-made Harpoon and the French Exocet. Both missiles have long been the go-to choice for navies around the world, but the ATMACA’s superior range and cost-effectiveness offer significant advantages.
- Harpoon: Originally developed in the 1970s, the Harpoon missile has undergone several upgrades over the years, with the Block II being the most recent version. Despite its improvements, the Harpoon is limited by its range, which maxes out at 130 kilometers, significantly less than the ATMACA’s 250 kilometers. This puts the Harpoon at a distinct disadvantage in modern naval engagements, where range can often dictate the outcome of battles.
- Exocet: The French-made Exocet, particularly the Block III variant, has been another mainstay in naval arsenals worldwide. With a range of 200 kilometers, it comes closer to the ATMACA but still falls short. The Exocet’s main strength lies in its flexibility, as it can be launched from a variety of platforms, including ships, submarines, and aircraft. However, the ATMACA’s advanced mission planning and target update capabilities give it a technical edge.
As more countries look to modernize their navies, the competition between these missile systems is expected to intensify. The ATMACA’s lower price point, combined with its longer range and advanced features, make it an attractive option for nations seeking to enhance their maritime defense capabilities without breaking the bank.
The decisions by Indonesia and Malaysia to procure the ATMACA missile are indicative of a broader trend in Southeast Asia, where countries are increasingly investing in modernizing their naval fleets. With its vast maritime territories and strategic importance, the region has become a focal point for defense contractors around the world.
Indonesia, for instance, has one of the largest naval forces in Southeast Asia, and the integration of the ATMACA into its Fatahillah and Parhim-class corvettes will significantly boost its maritime strike capabilities. As the country seeks to assert its sovereignty over its expansive archipelago, having a modern anti-ship missile system like the ATMACA is critical.
Malaysia’s acquisition of the ATMACA is equally significant. The country’s Littoral Mission Ships (LMS) Batch 2, which will be equipped with the missile, are expected to play a crucial role in securing Malaysia’s maritime interests. These ships will bolster the Royal Malaysian Navy’s ability to conduct operations in the South China Sea, a region that has seen increasing tension in recent years due to territorial disputes.
ROKETSAN’s export of more than 500 ATMACA anti-ship missiles marks a significant milestone for both the Turkish defense industry and the global arms market. With Indonesia and Malaysia leading the way, the missile is quickly establishing itself as a formidable competitor to long-standing systems like the Harpoon and Exocet.
The ATMACA’s combination of advanced technology, operational flexibility, and cost-effectiveness makes it an attractive option for countries looking to enhance their naval capabilities. As Turkey continues to push for greater self-sufficiency in its defense sector, the success of the ATMACA missile could pave the way for future innovations and exports, solidifying Turkey’s position as a key player in the global defense industry.
For the countries that have chosen to adopt the ATMACA, this decision represents more than just a military upgrade—it reflects a strategic shift towards modernizing their naval forces in an increasingly complex and contested maritime environment.
