Türkiye successfully conducts test launch of home-grown SOM-J cruise missile

Türkiye has successfully conducted a test launch of its indigenous next-generation SOM-J cruise missile.

This was revealed by the Industry and Technology Minister Mehmet Fatih Kacır this week, highlighting that this further showcased the country's advanced engineering capabilities, as reported by Daily Sabah.

The SOM-J is a medium-range, all-weather, air-to-surface standoff cruise missile developed by the Scientific and Technological Research Council of Türkiye's (TÜBITAK) Defence Industries Research and Development Institute (SAGE).

During the test, the missile proved its ability to evade defence and radar systems through complex manoeuvres and low-altitude flight, the minister added.

He highlighted SOM-J's features, including sea-skimming flight, post-launch control and full engagement capability against surface targets, calling the achievement "a step forward on the path toward a fully independent and leading Türkiye."

Besides fighter jets, the cruise missile is also aimed to be integrated into domestically developed drones.

The missile is part of the SOM family, designed for use against ground and sea targets.

They are estimated to have an operational range of more than 250 kilometers and offer low visibility, high precision, resistance/endurance against mixing measures, network-based movement suitability, engagement with opportunity targets and selection between pre-planned tasks during flight, target definition during flight, selectable stroke parameters and universal weapon interface compatibility.

By Nazrin Sadigova