Türkiye’s ongoing effort to localize critical defense technologies has taken a significant step forward with the unveiling of detailed information about the national target seeker MİHAL. Developed by TÜBİTAK SAGE and integrated into the GÖKDOĞAN beyond-visual-range air-to-air missile, MİHAL demonstrated exceptional performance in a historic test launch from Bayraktar KIZILELMA, the country’s first unmanned fighter aircraft. The successful operation of this indigenous seeker marks a major milestone in Türkiye’s drive to eliminate foreign dependency in high-tech sensors.

In his presentation to the Grand National Assembly, Minister of Industry and Technology Mehmet Fatih Kacır showcased the MİHAL seeker, emphasizing that it was produced entirely with domestic resources. The project, which originated within the scope of the GÖKTUĞ Program, replaced a previously imported laser seeker with a fully indigenous solution. TÜBİTAK SAGE’s expertise in optical systems, opto-mechanics, electronics design, and signal processing formed the technological backbone of the MİHAL seeker, which now plays a critical role in both BOZDOĞAN and GÖKDOĞAN missiles.

The minister highlighted that Türkiye became the first country to fire a beyond-visual-range air-to-air missile from an unmanned fighter aircraft, thanks to the seamless integration of domestically produced systems. Kacır emphasized the holistic national achievement: KIZILELMA as the launch platform, ASELSAN’s MURAD AESA radar for target detection, and GÖKDOĞAN as the missile—all working in unison with the new MİHAL seeker. “What others refuse to give us, we will produce ourselves—better and stronger,” Kacır said.

Target seekers like MİHAL play a crucial role in modern air defense structures, enabling high-precision detection of close-range threats and supporting rapid engagement decisions. In particular, proximity sensors—responsible for triggering the warhead when the missile approaches within 0–10 meters of a target—rely on highly sophisticated detection technologies. MİHAL enhances terminal-phase accuracy and ensures reliable interception, contributing significantly to the overall effectiveness of Türkiye’s air defense capabilities.

As Türkiye continues to advance its defense industry, systems like MİHAL represent not only technological progress but also strategic independence. The achievements demonstrated in recent tests are expected to pave the way for further innovations in missile guidance and sensor technologies.