Turkish-made LEVENT missile achieves first successful launch from maritime platform PHOTO / VIDEO

The surface-to-air missile LEVENT, developed by the Turkish defence company Roketsan, has been successfully launched from a maritime platform for the first time.

The missile, launched from the Turkish Navy's TCG BEYKOZ vessel, successfully completed all tasks outlined in the test scenario, Caliber.Az reports, citing the message of SavunmaSanayiST.com on X.

LEVENT Füzesi İlk Kez Gemiden Atıldı https://t.co/iXX4FTC6CL pic.twitter.com/vNJ0O5yYA0

— SavunmaSanayiST.com (@SavunmaSanayiST) March 24, 2025

In subsequent trials, the LEVENT missile will be used to target a variety of objectives, after which the project will move into the initial phase of mass production. 

The air defense of the four MİLGEM ADA-class corvettes in service with the Turkish Navy is provided by the American-made RAM missile defense system. However, due to the US embargo on the purchase of RAM missiles, there is a risk of weakening the air defense capabilities of the corvettes TCG HEYBELİADA, TCG BÜYÜKADA, TCG BURGAZADA, and TCG KINALIADA. 

The goal of developing the LEVENT missile is to eliminate dependence on RAM missiles and gain access to a wide range of capabilities using domestic resources. The LEVENT surface-to-air missile was developed based on the existing portable missile SUNGUR by Roketsan. The missile uses an IIR (Infrared Imaging Radar) seeker located in its nose to capture both the target's image and the heat it emits. 

Additionally, thanks to the passive radiofrequency antennas located at the front, the missile can be guided by radiofrequency waves emitted by the target. This dual-mode design ensures high accuracy and speed for the missile. Various configurations of the LEVENT missile are also expected to be developed. The current missile has a flight range of 11 kilometers and a weight of 70 kilograms.

By Naila Huseynova