Türkiye’s rapid progress in indigenous defense technologies has reached a historic milestone with the successful firing of the long-range SIPER 1-D air defense missile from the National Vertical Launch System (MİDLAS). This test, carried out from a naval platform, represents far more than a standard missile trial—it signals Türkiye’s entry into the elite group of nations capable of conducting long-range air defense operations from their own domestically built warships.

MİDLAS, jointly developed by ROKETSAN and ASELSAN, enables the vertical launch of various guided munitions from military vessels using a fully national system. First tested in December 2022 and integrated into the fleet in 2024 aboard the TCG Istanbul frigate, MİDLAS has now proven its ability to safely and effectively launch strategic, long-range weapons such as the SIPER 1-D. The 100+ km missile—previously tested from land—has now demonstrated its compatibility and readiness for naval deployment.

According to maritime and defense expert Kozan Selçuk Erkan, this test “goes far beyond a routine missile launch.” The ability to fire a long-range air defense missile from a ship represents one of the most difficult challenges in modern naval warfare. Erkan emphasizes that Türkiye is no longer limiting its advanced air defense capabilities to land systems; with this achievement, the country now ascends to a new level as a navy capable of providing long-range air defense from the sea.

Globally, only four entities—namely the United States, Russia, China, and the France-Italy consortium—currently possess the ability to build their own warships and launch their own long-range air defense missiles from them. With MİDLAS and SIPER, Türkiye is set to become the fifth member of this highly exclusive group. This milestone not only boosts Türkiye’s defense posture but also enhances its deterrence and operational resilience at sea.

The accomplishment carries major implications for defense exports as well. While Türkiye has already become a notable exporter of warships, some countries have previously procured Turkish vessels but opted for foreign air defense systems. Experts highlight that with the maturation of the SIPER and MİDLAS ecosystem, Türkiye may soon be able to offer “integrated defense packages”—selling both the ship and its long-range air defense system together, similar to the business models of the U.S. and certain European countries. Such packages are sold globally at high prices, and Türkiye’s entry into this market could create a valuable new export category.

Further SIPER 1-D tests in different naval scenarios are expected in the near future. Once fully deployed on İstif-class frigates, the Turkish Navy will possess an indigenous long-range naval air defense shield—a significant strategic capability that enhances Türkiye’s presence and protection across the Blue Homeland. The synergy of MİDLAS and SIPER demonstrates not only Türkiye’s expanding naval power but also the technological maturity of its defense industry.