Türkiye chose the opening day of SAHA 2026 to unveil the Yildirimhan intercontinental ballistic missile. This marks a significant leap in the country's long-range strike capabilities.
Developed by the National Defence Ministry’s R&D Center, the missile has speeds of Mach 9 to Mach 25, and a range of 6,000 kilometres (3,728 miles). The ICBM uses liquid nitrogen tetroxide as fuel and is powered by four rocket engines. Yildirimhan is distinct from similar systems with its liquid rocket fuel propulsion and its 3,000 kg explosive payload capacity.
Yildirimhan's unveiling comes at a time when Türkiye's domestic defence industry has grown by leaps and bounds. The country is investing in missile systems, unmanned platforms, a fifth generation fighter jet, a comprehensive air defence system, and space technologies. The number of Turkish defence firms has grown exponentially over the last two decades to over 3,000.
The country’ is also investing more in the sector. Türkiye's military expenditure touched US$30 billion in 2025, an increase of 7.2 per cent from 2024 and of 94 per cent from 2016. Allocations to the special fund to support the Turkish arms industry rose by 25 per cent year on-year and accounted for 22 per cent of the country's total military expenditure. Turkish defence exports have skyrocketed in recent years; the country is now 11th on the global list of largest weapons exporters.
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