The escalating conflict between Israel and Iran, marked by reciprocal missile strikes, has once again drawn global attention to ballistic missile capabilities. As both countries rely heavily on their missile arsenals, questions have emerged regarding Turkey’s position and progress in this critical area of defense technology.

Defense Industry Analyst Anıl Şahin underlined that Turkey has achieved a major technological threshold in the past decade, advancing multiple defense programs simultaneously. Alongside the fifth-generation fighter jet KAAN, unmanned combat aircraft KIZILELMA and ANKA-3, radar systems such as KORAL-2 and ALP, Turkey is also developing a wide range of missile systems, including CENK, TAYFUN, KARA ATMACA, ÇAKIR, SOM, GEZGİN, and TOLUN. Managing such a broad defense portfolio requires substantial human and financial resources, but Şahin emphasized that Ankara’s strategic prioritization allows these projects to progress efficiently.

President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan recently reaffirmed Türkiye’s commitment to strengthening its missile stockpiles, saying: “We are making production plans to raise our medium- and long-range missile inventory to a level of deterrence that no one would dare challenge.” According to experts, this statement signals a decisive acceleration in long-range missile programs, especially CENK and GEZGİN. While GEZGİN belongs to the cruise missile category, CENK is expected to become Turkey’s most advanced and longest-range ballistic missile, capable of reaching hypersonic speeds and evading air defense systems.

Şahin describes CENK as “the missile that will mark Turkey’s breakout moment in ballistic technology”, adding that it will surpass previous domestic missiles in both range and capability. He also highlighted Turkey’s growing accuracy in missile engineering: “Roketsan’s last TAYFUN test achieved centimeter-level precision — a remarkable feat in ballistic missile technology.”

Turkey’s broader missile vision focuses on speed, precision, and survivability. By developing missiles that can perform high-speed maneuvers, strike with pinpoint accuracy, and carry significant payloads, Ankara aims to establish an enduring deterrent against regional threats. The ongoing efforts surrounding CENK and GEZGİN demonstrate not only technological maturity but also a strategic intent to position Turkey as a regional power with full-spectrum missile capabilities. Analysts agree that once CENK enters the testing phase, it will mark a historic milestone for the Turkish defense industry.