The Turkish defense industry has once again achieved a significant success. The SOM-J cruise missile developed by TÜBİTAK SAGE successfully hit its target in its first test fire against a surface platform. This test was carried out from an F-16 fighter jet affiliated with the Turkish Air Force, and it was observed that the SOM-J missile hit the surface target with high precision. This successful test once again demonstrated the effectiveness and capabilities of the SOM-J missile.
SOM-J Cruise Missile and Its Strategic Importance for Turkish Armed Forces
SOM-J was developed to be compatible with the internal weapon stations of unmanned and manned air platforms such as KAAN, ANKA III and Bayraktar KIZILELMA, which will enter the inventory of the Turkish Air Force. This missile has the potential to be a significant force multiplier for the Turkish Armed Forces in the modern warfare environment. SOM-J, which can launch high-precision attacks against long-range targets, offers an effective solution especially against land and sea targets with dense defense systems.
Technical Capabilities and Range of SOM-J
SOM-J stands out with its effective range of up to 185 kilometers. Within this range, the missile can approach the target without being detected by radars by flying very low, and can hide itself by following the landforms. In addition, the targeting process is carried out very precisely thanks to the high-resolution imaging infrared seeker head. This feature makes it possible to change the target after the shot and also allows various maneuvers to be performed while approaching the target during the flight.
The 500 kg SOM-J carried by the missiles was developed to be resistant to electronic jamming measures. This allows the missiles to operate effectively even in environments with intense electronic countermeasures. In addition, the internal weapon station used by the SOM-J makes it possible to use the missile on a wide range of different air platforms.
A Game Changer in the Defense Industry: SOM-J
Minister of Industry and Technology Mehmet Fatih Kacır announced the success of the test on his social media account with the words “New capability has been loaded!” Minister Kacır stated that the SOM-J missile is one of the game-changing elements of the defense industry and that capability enhancement studies on the missile are ongoing. These words show that the SOM-J is a major breakthrough not only for the Turkish Air Force but also for the global defense industry.
Future Areas of Use
The SOM-J cruise missile is expected to have an important place in the Turkish Air Force inventory in the future. SOM-J, which will be used in F-16 and KAAN fighter jets as well as unmanned aerial vehicles such as AKINCI TİHA and Bayraktar KIZILELMA, will also increase the operational capacity of these platforms. In addition, thanks to its structure resistant to electronic jamming measures, it will be able to serve effectively in various combat scenarios.
The SOM-J cruise missile demonstrates the point that the Turkish defense industry has reached and its competitive power in the world. An important force multiplier for the Turkish Armed Forces, this missile stands out as an example that best reflects the advances in modern warfare techniques and technologies.
