Türkiye unveils Yıldırımhan, its first intercontinental ballistic missile

Türkiye’s Ministry of National Defence has unveiled what it described as the country’s first intercontinental ballistic missile, named Yıldırımhan, at the SAHA 2026 International Defence and Aerospace Exhibition.

The system was presented publicly for the first time at the event, which brings together leading companies in the defence and aviation industries, Caliber.Az reports, citing Turkish media.

According to the ministry, the missile represents a new stage in Türkiye’s strategic deterrence capabilities.

Officials said in a statement Yıldırımhan has a reported range of up to 6,000 kilometres. Its speed is stated to vary between Mach 9 and Mach 25.

The ministry added that the system uses liquid dinitrogen tetroxide as fuel and is equipped with four rocket engines.

This configuration, it said, enables the missile to reach hypersonic speeds.

The statement noted that the combination of high velocity and manoeuvrability is intended to allow the system to penetrate existing air and missile defence systems, increasing its operational effectiveness.

The ministry also stressed that the system is considered an important component of modern military doctrine, as its speed and manoeuvrability could reduce early warning and interception capabilities by enabling rapid engagement of designated targets.

By Bakhtiyar Abbasov