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Türkiye’s Ministry of National Defense R&D center unveiled Yildirimhan, the nation’s first intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM), at Istanbul’s SAHA 2026 expo.
According to the technical specification panel displayed at the SAHA 2026 exposition, Yildirimhan has the following characteristics: a range of 6,000 kilometers, a speed of Mach 9 to Mach 25, four liquid-fuel rocket engines and Nitrogen Tetroxide propellant.
"Yildirimhan is a ballistic missile project developed by the Ministry of National Defense (MoND) R&D Center. It distinguishes itself from similar systems with its liquid rocket fuel propulsion and its massive 3,000 kg explosive payload capacity," says its official promotional brochure published by the R&D Center.
The system was developed by the Defense Ministry's R&D center and presented publicly for the first time at SAHA 2026.
No further operational details were disclosed at the time of the unveiling.
The SAHA 2026 International Defense and Aerospace Exhibition opened at the Istanbul Expo Center under the organization of SAHA Istanbul, Türkiye’s and Europe’s largest defense, aerospace and space industry cluster.
Speaking at the launch program for new products from the Ministry of National Defense R&D Center, Minister of National Defense Yasar Guler stated that the Turkish defense industry has increased its production capacity through valuable investments and has transformed into an ecosystem that develops high technology through R&D.
Guler stated that they strived to reach this level as a result of long-term planning, determined will, a sustainable development approach, and strong coordination, adding, "While reaching this point is something to be proud of, evolving technology and diversifying needs necessitate continuous self-renewal. R&D-focused product development and activities play a decisive role in sustainably strengthening the defense industry."
"In this context, our ministry continues its efforts to meet the needs of the Turkish Armed Forces with great determination," he noted.
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