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Türkiye's long-range cruise missile SOM successfully hit its target using an indigenous turbojet engine during testing, marking a significant achievement in the country's defense industry independence efforts.
Industry and Technology Minister Mehmet Fatih Kacir announced that the SOM cruise missile developed by TUBITAK SAGE hit its target with pinpoint accuracy using the indigenous turbojet engine.
"Our national pride SOM hit the target with a perfect strike in the test firing with the indigenous turbojet engine," Kacir stated on the social media platform X.
Kacir emphasized that foreign dependency in the long-range cruise missile, which has superior features compared to its counterparts, has been minimized.
Presidency of Defense Industries (SBB) head Haluk Gorgun described the achievement as more than a technological success.
"SOM, which hit the target with pinpoint accuracy in the test firing with the indigenous turbojet engine, is not only a technological success but a determined step taken toward the independent Türkiye ideal," Gorgun said.
Gorgun congratulated all stakeholders involved, highlighting that this was the victory of TUBITAK, TUBITAK SAGE, Kale Jet Engines, Roketsan and all engineers, technicians and management staff involved in the project.
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Kacir noted that SOM's indigenous engine and sub-components represent more than just a step in the National Technology Initiative.
"SOM's indigenous engine and sub-components are not only a step of the National Technology Initiative, but the sweat shed day and night by thousands of our engineers and technicians, the endless passion of our scientists and the boundless dreams of our youth," Kacir stated.
"I congratulate all our stakeholders who work on the path to 'Fully Independent Türkiye.' We are proud, we are ready for greater victories."
Gorgun emphasized that SOM's indigenous engine represents a combination of patience, knowledge accumulation and institutional harmony.
"This success is the result of years of joint effort, minds working day and night, and those who devoted their hearts to the vision of 'fully independent defense industry,'" Gorgun said.
"With our strong defense industry, we stand by our heroic army. We are determined to increase their power in the field at engineering tables, R&D laboratories and test sites," he added.
The KTJ-3200 turbojet engine developed by Kale Arge under the Kale Group was designed to eliminate the strategic dependency that existed from the early stages of the SOM project.
The engine, which produces approximately 3,200 Newton thrust with its compact design, fully meets the performance requirements needed by cruise missiles.
The engine's indigenization provides Türkiye with complete freedom of movement in both production and missile exports, eliminating potential effects of international sanctions and export restrictions.
The SOM missile family, designed and developed by TUBITAK Defense Industries Research and Development Institute (SAGE) and manufactured by Roketsan, includes multiple variants:
With a range exceeding 250 kilometers (155.34 miles), SOM missiles enable carrier platforms to neutralize critical targets from a safe distance without entering enemy air defense system ranges.
The missiles can be used by Turkish Air Force aircraft, including F-16 and F-4 fighters in inventory. The KTJ-3200 engine also powers Türkiye's ATMACA anti-ship missile, demonstrating its versatility across multiple defense platforms.
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