Sources from the Turkish Ministry of National Defense shared important information about the YILDIRIMHAN long-range missile system and the GÜÇHAN Turbofan Jet Engine, both of which were displayed for the first time at SAHA 2026 International Defense, Aerospace and Space Industry Fair. According to ministry sources, a total of 6 engines have been produced under the nationally developed GÜÇHAN project. Qualification tests for the produced engines are planned to be carried out within this year in line with the current schedule.

The GÜÇHAN Turbofan Jet Engine stands out as a high-thrust national jet engine designed by the Ministry of National Defense Research and Development Center. Ministry sources stated that all components of the engine were designed by the MSB R&D Center and developed with original engineering solutions in line with Türkiye’s needs. The main objective of the project is to minimize foreign dependency in critical engine technologies and create sustainable domestic capability.

With a reported thrust capacity of 42,000 lbf, GÜÇHAN is considered one of the important indicators of Türkiye’s advanced goals in aviation engine technologies. Jet engines are among the most critical fields of defense technology, requiring high-temperature resistance, precision manufacturing, aerodynamic design, advanced materials, turbine efficiency and long service life. For this reason, the GÜÇHAN project is not only an engine development effort, but also a strategic engineering program that strengthens Türkiye’s high-technology production infrastructure.

One of the notable aspects of the project is the use of single-crystal technology. According to ministry sources, this technology increases the resistance of engine components against high temperatures and intense operating conditions, providing significant gains in efficiency, performance and service life. In turbofan engines, critical parts such as turbine blades that operate under high heat play a decisive role in the engine’s reliability and long-term performance.

Ministry sources also noted that work on liquid-fueled rocket engines and aircraft engines began many years ago. In this context, Türkiye is increasing its national capabilities not only in jet engines for air platforms, but also in long-range missile systems and liquid fuel technologies. The YILDIRIMHAN missile system, displayed at SAHA 2026, is one of the strategic projects highlighted within this framework.

According to the ministry, the Unsymmetrical Dimethylhydrazine and nitrogen tetroxide-derived liquid fuels used in the YILDIRIMHAN missile system were produced domestically by the MSB R&D Center. These advanced fuels are reported to offer long-term storage capability, high performance even under low-temperature conditions and high energy output. These features provide missile systems with high mobility and operational flexibility in the field.

The YILDIRIMHAN missile system was also stated to have a warhead carrying capacity of 3 tons. Ministry sources said the laboratory testing processes for the system had been successfully completed, while work related to field tests continues in line with the planned schedule. These developments show that Türkiye is making simultaneous progress in long-range missile systems, liquid fuel technologies and engine development to strengthen its strategic deterrence capacity.

Ministry sources emphasized that the main aim in this process is not commercial gain, but technology development, national capacity building and leadership for defense industry companies. The ministry stated that it will continue to develop domestic, independent and sustainable defense technologies through its institutional experience and engineering infrastructure. The qualification tests planned for the GÜÇHAN Turbofan Jet Engine this year will be closely followed as a critical milestone in Türkiye’s national engine development journey.