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The Scientific and Technological Research Council of Türkiye (TUBITAK) unveiled the country's first indigenous ramjet-powered air-to-air missile, Gokhan, at the 17th International Defense Industry Fair (IDEF 2025), marking a significant advancement in Türkiye's aerospace defense capabilities.
The full-scale model of the Gokhan missile was displayed for the first time at the exhibition, held at Istanbul Fair Center under the auspices of the Ministry of National Defense with support from the Presidency of Defense Industries.
During the unveiling ceremony, TUBITAK SAGE and the Ministry of National Defense signed contracts for "Range and Capability Enhancement for the Development of the National Ramjet-Powered Air-to-Air Missile Gokhan Project" and "Long-Range Gokhan Development Contract."
The agreements aim to increase Gokhan's range and capabilities beyond the original specifications established when the project began in 2021.
Industry and Technology Minister Mehmet Fatih Kacir emphasized Gokhan's importance as one of Türkiye's most critical defense objectives during the ceremony.
"Previously, we had brought Türkiye its first air-to-air missiles, BOZDOGAN and GOKDOGAN, through TUBITAK," Kacir said. "Now with Gokhan, we will step by step realize a missile project that can operate at much longer ranges, much higher and supersonic speeds."
The minister announced that initial tests will be conducted this year, adding: "With the signatures we made today, we have moved our range target in the project further. We will bring the Gokhan project to the level of the most advanced capabilities in the world, equivalent to its counterparts."
Kacir outlined Türkiye's comprehensive approach to ramjet technology development, involving both liquid and solid-fuel systems.
"On one hand, with the Gokhan project carried out by TUBITAK SAGE, and on the other hand, with the Gokbora project carried out by Roketsan, Türkiye has gained capability in both liquid-fuel ramjet technology and solid-fuel ramjet technology," he explained.
The minister indicated these developments will enhance the combat effectiveness of Türkiye's air assets, including the Kizilelma unmanned combat aircraft and KAAN fighter jet.
The Gokhan missile incorporates sophisticated technical features designed for high-performance engagement scenarios.
The system features bi-directional data link capabilities, active thrust control, and high cruise performance characteristics.
The missile achieves engagement capabilities at Mach 2 and above speeds, reaching high cruise velocities over long ranges. Its liquid-fuel ramjet engine enables effectiveness across wide engagement envelopes, offering more flexible mission profiles compared to other air-to-air missiles in inventory.
Gokhan incorporates precise mid-course speed control with active thrust systems, allowing optimized speed management during engagement. The system includes precise missile guidance and situational awareness for high-performance post-launch algorithms aimed at achieving effective results over targets.
The missile's bi-directional data link system enables advanced functions, including retargeting and handover capabilities. Gokhan also features enhanced interceptor awareness capabilities.
Navigation systems supported by Inertial Measurement Unit (IMU) and Global Positioning System (GPS) provide jamming-resistant, high cruise mission success rates.
The warhead and electronic architecture were designed with original specifications, achieving integration ease through compact subsystem structure while targeting lightness and efficiency in overall architecture.
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