(DEFENCE SECURITY ASIA) – The Turkish Armed Forces are expected to begin deploying the long-range surface-to-surface cruise missile (LRSM) “KARA ATMACA” next year, following the successful completion of all operational technical tests.
In a recent test, the “KARA ATMACA” LRSM, developed by Roketsan, successfully hit its target with precision.
While Roketsan did not disclose the location of the test firing, it is typically conducted in Sinop.
“In the latest test, the KARA ATMACA surface-to-surface cruise missile successfully struck its target with accuracy,” said Haluk Gorgun, head of the Presidency of Defense Industries (SSB), in a statement.
He added that the “KARA ATMACA” is designed to accurately hit strategic land-based targets and its introduction will significantly enhance the offensive capabilities of the Turkish Armed Forces.
Roketsan signed an agreement with the SSB in 2021 to develop this long-range surface-to-surface cruise missile.
Since the agreement, Roketsan has continued the development of the missile, and in the latest test, it achieved a record flight duration while hitting its target with high precision.
The “KARA ATMACA” cruise missile is powered by the domestically produced Kale Arge KTJ3700 engine.
Once it enters service with the Turkish Land Forces Command next year, the missile will provide the army with precise long-range strike capabilities.
The “KARA ATMACA” missile is equipped with a 250kg warhead and features an Imaging Infrared (IIR) guidance system, ensuring its ability to accurately destroy targets.
Additionally, the Turkish surface-to-surface cruise missile is highly resistant to enemy jamming attempts.
Key targets for the Turkish surface-to-surface cruise missile include strategic land targets such as air defense system batteries and both mobile and stationary surface-to-surface missile systems.
The “KARA ATMACA” is a land-attack variant of the anti-ship missile “ATMACA,” also developed by Roketsan and set to be used by three Littoral Mission Ships (LMS) Batch II of the Royal Malaysian Navy (RMN).
The Malaysian Army might also consider the “KARA ATMACA” surface-to-surface cruise missile for its inventory in the future.
Technical Specifications of the “KARA ATMACA” Surface-to-Surface Cruise Missile:
– Length: 6 meters
– Weight: 890kg
– Range: 280km
– Guidance System: INS + GPS + Barometric Altimeter + Radar Altimeter + TRN
– Warhead: High Explosive, Fragmentation, Penetration
– Warhead Weight: 250kg
– Guidance System: Imaging Infrared (IIR) Seeker
*INS Inertial Navigation System
**GPS Global Positioning System
***TRN Terrain Referenced Navigation
— DSA