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Aselsan unveils Goktan: Turkish ground-launched small diameter bomb at IDEF 2025

An aerial view shows Aselsans Goktan system displayed at the outdoor exhibition area of the IDEF 2025 in Istanbul, Türkiye on July 24, 2025. (AA Photo)
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An aerial view shows Aselsans Goktan system displayed at the outdoor exhibition area of the IDEF 2025 in Istanbul, Türkiye on July 24, 2025. (AA Photo)
July 29, 2025 05:26 PM GMT+03:00

Turkish defense electronics company Aselsan introduced its Goktan ground-based precision strike system at IDEF 2025, featuring the Tolun-S munition capable of engaging targets beyond 150 kilometers (31.06 miles) with 360-degree strike capability.

The system addresses increased demand for indirect fire capabilities following the Russian-Ukrainian conflict, offering all-weather, long-range precision strikes without requiring aircraft to approach target areas under enemy air defense threats.

Aselsan's Goktan system displayed at the outdoor exhibition area of the IDEF 2025 in Istanbul, Türkiye on July 24, 2025. (AA Photo)
Aselsan's Goktan system displayed at the outdoor exhibition area of the IDEF 2025 in Istanbul, Türkiye on July 24, 2025. (AA Photo)

Technical specifications of Aselsan's Goktan

The Tolun-S munition, developed from Aselsan's air-launched Tolun small-diameter bomb, measures 1,850 millimeters in length, 191 millimeters in width and 269 millimeters in height when wings are folded, weighing 137 kilograms.

The weapon carries a 105-kilogram (231.49-pound) warhead with a hardened nose capable of penetrating up to one meter of reinforced concrete.

At launch, the complete system, including the booster, weighs approximately 700 kilograms. The hybrid-propellant rocket motor booster, developed by Turkish company DeltaV, accounts for over 550 kilograms of the total weight.

"Goktan is engineered to conduct long-range ground-to-ground strikes with high accuracy under all weather and lighting conditions," Aselsan stated.

The company declares a circular error probable (CEP) of under 10 meters.

Aselsan's Goktan system displayed at the outdoor exhibition area of the IDEF 2025 in Istanbul, Türkiye on July 24, 2025. (AA Photo)
Aselsan's Goktan system displayed at the outdoor exhibition area of the IDEF 2025 in Istanbul, Türkiye on July 24, 2025. (AA Photo)

Goktan's operational capabilities

The Tolun-S launches from canisters, with a six-canister launcher displayed at IDEF 2025 mounted on a Seyit 6×6 tactical truck produced by Anadolu Defence.

The truck features an armored cabin and an 18,500-kilogram payload capacity.

Upon launch at 70-75 degree elevation, the missile separates from its booster after reaching optimal altitude, deploys its wings and follows pre-programmed waypoints to the target.

The system's fire control can set fusing options ranging from airburst for soft targets to delayed detonation for armored targets or bunkers.

Navigation relies on a GNSS/INS system with a 4-channel Controlled Reception Pattern Antenna (CRPA) for jamming resistance and embedded spoofing-resistant software.

The planning tool allows operators to determine attack direction and impact angle to maximize damage.

The Goktan system offers several key capabilities:

  • 360-degree strike envelope allowing launch in any direction
  • Simultaneous multi-target engagement
  • Operation without aircraft exposure to enemy air defenses
  • All-weather, day/night operation
  • Platform integration flexibility for mobile and fixed configurations

"In operational zones under the threat of enemy air defense systems, the weapon offers 360-degree strike capability without requiring an aircraft to approach the target area," according to Aselsan documentation.

Aselsan's Goktan system displayed at the outdoor exhibition area of the IDEF 2025 in Istanbul, Türkiye on July 2025. (Photo via Aseelsan)
Aselsan's Goktan system displayed at the outdoor exhibition area of the IDEF 2025 in Istanbul, Türkiye on July 2025. (Photo via Aseelsan)

Goktan's development timeline, comparison to existing systems

The Tolun-S underwent its first test in mid-February 2025 at the Sinop test firing range in northern Türkiye, launched from a ramp configuration.

Aselsan is currently in discussions with the Turkish Land Forces, expected to become the launch customer.

The development represents several years of research and development, combining domestic innovation with lessons learned from recent regional conflicts.

The system fills a doctrinal gap between tactical artillery and ballistic missile assets.

Unlike conventional systems such as the American HIMARS or Israel's EXTRA that require pre-programmed trajectories with limited angular flexibility, Goktan integrates autonomous target selection and re-engagement capabilities, potentially reducing mission cycles.

The system's modular architecture ensures compatibility with multiple platforms and command-and-control networks, enhancing its utility in both national defense and coalition operations.

Aselsan emphasized Goktan was "designed to be easily maintained and rapidly deployed, meeting the time-sensitive demands of today's combat scenarios."

July 29, 2025 05:26 PM GMT+03:00
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