Türkiye has successfully tested the SOM-J (Stand Off Munition-J) cruise missile, marking a major milestone in its defense technology advancements. The missile, developed by TÜBİTAK SAGE and produced by ROKETSAN, was launched from an F-16 of the Turkish Air Force’s 401st Test Squadron, striking its intended target at sea with pinpoint accuracy. This test underscores Türkiye’s growing capability in precision-strike technology and its increasing independence in military production.
Mehmet Fatih KACIR, Türkiye’s Minister of Industry and Technology, shared the successful test results on social media, emphasizing the missile’s effectiveness against both land and sea targets. KACIR also highlighted key features, including post-launch control capabilities such as retargeting, target updates, mission cancellation, and communication silencing. Additionally, he pointed out the missile’s low radar visibility and compatibility with Türkiye’s indigenous air platforms, such as KAAN and KIZILELMA.
“SOM-J will be an effective force multiplier for the Turkish Armed Forces in the modern warfare environment and will enable the neutralization of high-value targets at long ranges,” KACIR stated.
The test demonstrates Türkiye’s commitment to advancing its defense sector, as the country continues to develop cutting-edge military technologies independent of foreign suppliers.
The SOM-J is an advanced air-to-surface munition designed to neutralize heavily defended land and naval targets. It is a variant of the existing SOM cruise missile family, currently in service with the Turkish Air Force. However, unlike its predecessors, the SOM-J has been optimized for internal and external carriage on fighter jets, including future national air platforms.
Originally developed for integration with the F-35 Joint Strike Fighter (JSF) program, the SOM-J was designed to fit within the internal weapons bay of all F-35 variants. However, following Türkiye’s removal from the F-35 program, the missile’s future shifted toward integration with indigenous aerial platforms. This change redirected the missile’s role within Türkiye’s defense strategy, reinforcing the country’s objective of self-reliance in military technology.
Technical Specifications
- Length: ~ 3.9 m
- Weight: ~ 540 kg
- Range: 275 km (150 nautical miles)
- Warhead Weight: ~ 140 kg
- Seeker: Imaging Infrared (IIR)
- Speed: High subsonic
- Guidance: INS/GPS/TRN (Terrain Relative Navigation)/ATA (Automatic Target Acquisition)
The success of the SOM-J test also paves the way for its integration with Türkiye’s rapidly advancing unmanned aerial systems (UAS). The missile is planned for deployment on Baykar’s AKINCI unmanned combat aerial vehicle (UCAV), making AKINCI the first UCAV equipped with an anti-ship cruise missile of such range and precision.
Moreover, Baykar’s next-generation unmanned fighter jet, KIZILELMA—currently undergoing advanced trials—will also be capable of carrying and deploying the SOM-J. This development marks a revolutionary shift in aerial warfare, as unmanned platforms equipped with long-range cruise missiles pose significant challenges to traditional naval defense systems worldwide.
Given that most naval air defense systems have an effective range below 275 km, a UCAV launching a long-range anti-ship missile like the SOM-J presents a considerable strategic advantage. It extends Türkiye’s offensive reach while complicating enemy defensive operations, further reinforcing the role of unmanned systems in modern military doctrine.
The successful test of the SOM-J signals Türkiye’s continued progress in military technology and defense self-sufficiency. The missile’s integration into both manned and unmanned platforms enhances the operational flexibility of the Turkish Armed Forces, providing them with a powerful tool to counter high-value threats at extended ranges.
With growing regional and global tensions, Türkiye’s development of the SOM-J underscores its commitment to strengthening its deterrence capabilities. By investing in indigenous military technology, Türkiye is not only reducing its reliance on foreign arms suppliers but also positioning itself as a significant player in the global defense industry.
The successful test firing of the SOM-J cruise missile represents a breakthrough in Türkiye’s military capabilities. Designed with advanced features such as infrared targeting, low radar visibility, and post-launch control functionalities, the missile is set to become a key asset for the Turkish Armed Forces. Its compatibility with next-generation aircraft and UCAVs further solidifies Türkiye’s status as a leader in unmanned warfare and missile technology.
