Turkish Minister of Industry and Technology Mehmet Fatih Kacır has announced the entry of Turkiye's indigenous air-to-air missiles to the inventory at TUBİTAK's 61 anniversary. Turkish Defence Ministry has not made any statement yet. The introduction might be revealed on a routine Thursday press briefing.
TÜBİTAK SAGE has developed Gökdoğan and Bozdoğan AAMs, marking a significant step towards ending Turkiye's dependence on U.S.-made AIM-120 AMRAAM and AIM-9 Sidewinder missiles used on F-16 fighters. This indigenous development not only enhances Turkiye's self-reliance in defence technology but also strengthens its strategic position in the region.
The Gökdoğan BVRAAM, equipped with an active radar seeker and a range of 100 km, represents a significant leap in missile technology. Its use of a laser proximity fuse with sensors around the missile to increase resistance against jamming in the terminal phase is a testament to its advanced design. Bozdoğan WVRAAM is significantly larger and faster than AIM-9 missiles.
The missile weighs 140 kg and reaches a speed of more than Mach 4, whereas AIM-9X weighs 85 kg and reaches a speed of Mach 2.5. In addition to the F-16, the missiles will be used on other combat aircraft like KAAN fighter and KIZILELMA unmanned fighter. ASELSAN will also use the missiles on its new air defence systems:
GÜRZ hybrid air defence system
GÖKSUR PDMS (Bozdoğan)
GÖKDEMİR medium-range air defence system (Gökdoğan and alternatively Bozdoğan)
Following the two missiles, TÜBİTAK SAGE's former Director, Gürcan Okumuş, initiated the Gökhan liquid fuel ramjet-powered air-to-air missile to have a longer range and better kinematic performance than Gökdoğan.
