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Türkiye successfully test-fired its domestically developed SIPER-1D long-range air defense missile from a naval vertical launch system, joining a select group of nations capable of deploying indigenous long-range air defense systems from their own warships.
The SIPER 1-D missile, with a range exceeding 100 kilometers, was launched from the National Vertical Launch System (MIDLAS) in what officials described as a milestone for the country's naval defense capabilities in the "Blue Homeland" maritime doctrine.
Defense Industry President Haluk Gorgun announced the successful test on social media on Saturday, sharing footage of the launch and emphasizing its significance for Turkish naval forces.
"Success was written in the Blue Homeland," Gorgun stated in his announcement.
"The firing test of the SIPER 1-D, developed with national resources, from MIDLAS was successfully completed. With this success, we have further strengthened our position among the few countries in the world that can use their own long-range air defense missile from their own ship, from their own launcher," he added.
Gorgun thanked the Ministry of National Defense, personnel from the Naval Forces Command, defense industry staff, and Roketsan engineers for their contributions to the achievement.
The test coincided with the Turkish Naval Forces' establishment anniversary, which Gorgun called "a meaningful gift" to mark the occasion.
The MIDLAS system was developed through collaboration between Roketsan and Aselsan, two of Türkiye's leading defense contractors. The vertical launch system enables 360-degree coverage for firing different types of guided missiles from naval vessels.
Following development completion, MIDLAS was integrated into TCG Istanbul (F-515), Türkiye's first nationally-built frigate. The system had previously undergone successful testing with the medium-altitude HISAR-D RF missile.
The initial MIDLAS test was conducted from a land-based platform in December 2022, successfully launching a HISAR-RF air defense missile.
The system was subsequently integrated into TCG Istanbul, the first of the ISTIF-class frigates, which entered the Turkish Naval Forces inventory upon its delivery in 2024.
The SIPER air defense system was designed to meet modern air defense requirements, covering functions from air defense planning and coordination to unified air picture production.
Technical specifications of SIPER air defense system:
SIPER 1:
SIPER 2:
Both variants can guide up to 20 missiles at the battery level.
Roketsan, in its statement about the achievement, emphasized the company's commitment to strengthening Turkish Armed Forces (TAF) capabilities: "We will continue to produce for our country and add strength to the power of our Armed Forces."
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