(VIDEO) ROKETSAN Completes Testing of “KARAOK” Anti-Tank Missile System
(VIDEO) President of the Turkish Defense Industry (SSB), Prof. Haluk Gorgun, stated in a recent announcement that the KARAOK anti-tank missile system has once again demonstrated its effectiveness and the capabilities of Türkiye’s defense industry by successfully completing tests under the most challenging conditions.
(DEFENCE SECURITY ASIA) – Turkish defense company ROKETSAN has recently completed launch tests for its medium-range anti-tank missile system “KARAOK.”
In 2023, Malaysia signed a contract with ROKETSAN to procure the KARAOK anti-tank missile system, with the first deliveries expected to begin in 2026.
Reports indicate that the Malaysian Army will acquire up to 18 launchers and 106 KARAOK anti-tank missiles developed by ROKETSAN.
President of the Turkish Defense Industry (SSB), Prof. Haluk Gorgun, stated in a recent announcement that the KARAOK anti-tank missile system has once again demonstrated its effectiveness and the capabilities of Türkiye’s defense industry by successfully completing tests under the most challenging conditions.
“Our national defense systems enhance security and deterrence with their capabilities in the field. Innovative solutions such as the KARAOK anti-tank missile system are significant steps toward building a strong and independent Türkiye,” he said.
“I extend my congratulations to the subcontractors, SSB officials, and ROKETSAN personnel involved in this project for this remarkable achievement. Let us continue working tirelessly for Türkiye’s future,” he added.
In addition to its “fire and forget” mode, the KARAOK anti-tank missile system is capable of direct fire as well as “top attack” – a method that targets the upper part of tanks, known to have weaker armor.
This top-attack capability ensures that KARAOK can effectively destroy almost all main battle tanks currently in service.
The KARAOK anti-tank missile is known to possess capabilities comparable to the FGM-148 Javelin.
The 125mm KARAOK missile can engage targets up to 2.5 km away and is equipped with an Imaging Infrared Seeker guidance system and a tandem warhead designed to penetrate armor.
The missile system comprises a reusable Command Launch Unit (CLU), similar to the Javelin system, and the missile itself.
The entire KARAOK system weighs approximately 16 kg.
Malaysia is the first export customer to select the KARAOK anti-tank missile system from ROKETSAN for its armed forces.
The KARAOK will replace the Russian-made “Metis-M” (AT-13 Saxhorn) medium-range anti-tank missile system, which has been in service with the Malaysian Army for the past 20 years.
In an interview with Malaysia’s national news agency, BERNAMA, during DSA 2024, ROKETSAN’s Regional Manager for Central Asia and the Far East, Chumur Murat Boz, confirmed that Malaysia will become the first country outside Türkiye to operate the KARAOK system once deliveries commence in 2026.
The medium-range KARAOK missile system is currently in service with the Turkish military.
“There is significant global demand for mobile anti-tank and air defense systems. Malaysia will be the first recipient of the KARAOK system,” said Boz.
“Last year (2023), we signed the contract, and under its terms, deliveries will begin in early 2026. We do not see the Malaysian Armed Forces (ATM) as just a customer but as our strategic partner. We aim to add value and contribute to Malaysia’s security, sovereignty, and armed forces,” he added.
ROKETSAN will provide intensive training programs for Malaysian Armed Forces personnel prior to the KARAOK’s delivery.
“We will also conduct train-the-trainer sessions to ensure the development of local expertise,” said Boz, highlighting that the training will involve both simulators and real-world exercises. — DSA
