Overview
- The Yildirimhan, displayed Tuesday at the SAHA defense expo in Istanbul, was shown as Turkey’s first home-built intercontinental ballistic missile.
- Turkish sources described a range near 6,000 km that could reach much of Europe, Asia, and Africa, with state media citing speeds up to Mach 25 and some reports a three‑ton warhead, which remain unverified.
- People familiar with the plans told Bloomberg that Ankara aims to test‑fire the missile from a new Somali spaceport later this year, and Somalia’s government described the site as a civilian project.
- Defense Minister Yasar Güler said the system serves as a deterrent and vowed Turkey would use it if required.
- The rollout drew concern from Israeli figures over Turkey’s military build‑up, while experts noted NATO ties reduce the risk of direct conflict even as Ankara expands indigenous missiles and drones.