TÜBİTAK’s activity report for 2024 reported the launch of the SOM-B1 cruise missile from an Azerbaijani Su-25 attack aircraft using the UBAS system.
With the test in 2024, the Azerbaijani Air Force gained stand-off strike capability for its modernised Su-25 LAÇIN attack aircraft. UBAS (Aircraft-Independent Firing System) seamlessly integrated the SOM-B1 cruise missile into the Soviet-made attack aircraft.
SOM-B1 cruise missile’s integration into the TUSAŞ-modernised Su-25 attack aircraft of the Azerbaijani Air Force is within the scope of the programme’s first phase, Merhale-1.

SOM-B1 Cruise Missile

SOM-B1 is the configuration of a SOM-B cruise missile fitted with a 230 kg HE-FRAG warhead, whereas SOM-B2 uses a penetrating-shaped charge warhead. SOM-B family is the second instalment in the SOM series of cruise missiles, introducing an IIR seeker with automatic target recognition capability lacked by SOM-A. SOM-B1 can reach a range of 250 km and be used against various surface targets.

Su-25 LAÇIN Modernisation

LAÇIN modernisation being conducted by TUSAŞ is a comprehensive package that includes the integration of munitions from ASELSAN, ROKETSAN, and TÜBİTAK SAGE, with finalisation bringing a new avionics suite. The modernisation programme, split into two phases, Merhale-1 and Merhale-2, is both an upgrade in armament and avionics.
Merhale-1, without significant changes on the aircraft, integrates SOM-B1 cruise missile, KGK-82/83, QFAB-250-LG, and TEBER-82 guided bombs through the use of UBAS. UBAS can be described as a plug-and-play solution for the integration of Turkiye’s own munitions without the need for major rip-and-patch action in both hardware and software terms.
Thus, the first phase can be summarised as giving a significant firepower upgrade as quickly as possible.
The Merhale-2 phase is the point at which the Azerbaijani Su-25s will receive an avionics overhaul, including a new cockpit, INS, communication systems, and more munition options. The PDR for Merhale-2 was made in May 2024.

Author: Kaan Azman

Editor: Özgür Ekşi