Turkey Launches Groundbreaking Test of Kara Atmaca: Pioneering the Future of Cruise Missile Technology
Türkiye’s latest defense innovation, the Kara Atmaca long-range surface-to-surface cruise missile, has successfully completed its longest range and duration flight evaluation to date, as stated by a senior figure on Monday.
Powered by the domestically produced KTJ3700 engine, the missile effectively hit a floating target after being launched from a mobile platform, according to footage shared by its developer, Roketsan, on Sunday.
The manufacturer did not disclose the testing site, although similar assessments are typically conducted at a location in Sinop, Türkiye’s northernmost territory.
“In its most recent trial, Kara Atmaca, utilizing the KTJ3700 engine, successfully locked onto its target with remarkable accuracy and completed its longest flight to this point,” commented Haluk Görgün, the head of the Presidency of Defense Industries (SSB).
Görgün suggested that the system is designed for engagements against critical land targets requiring significant precision and will significantly augment Türkiye’s military capabilities.
“With its distinctive features, Kara Atmaca will maintain a competitive edge over its global competitors,” he posted on the social media platform X.
The interference-resistant missile system can be launched from tactical wheeled vehicles and is expected to engage essential ground assets, air defense units, as well as both stationary and mobile ground missile systems.
The KTJ3700 turbojet missile engine was created by Kale Arge.
The contract for the development of Kara Atmaca was signed in mid-August 2021 to address the operational needs of the Turkish Land Forces Command for precision strikes over extended distances.
Weighing approximately 250 kilograms (551.16 pounds), the missile is equipped with a state-of-the-art imaging infrared (IIR) seeker head, enabling it to conduct aggressive maneuvers and target engagements with centimeter-level precision.
Kara Atmaca features a range exceeding 280 kilometers (173.98 miles), surpassing the capabilities of its namesake anti-ship missile.
Atmaca is touted as a high-accuracy, long-range, surface-to-surface precision strike missile that can be integrated with patrol vessels, frigates, and corvettes.
The Turkish Naval Forces Command has long relied on U.S.-manufactured Harpoon anti-ship missiles, which are now being phased out in favor of the Atmaca missile system.
Kara Atmaca is anticipated to enter active service by 2026.
