Türkiye continues to draw global attention with its ambitious defense industry projects, built on indigenous and national capabilities. One of the most significant achievements in this field is the development of the TAYFUN short-range ballistic missile by Roketsan. Set to join the Turkish Armed Forces’ inventory, TAYFUN marks a historic milestone as Türkiye’s first short-range ballistic missile. Its public debut took place with a successful test launch from Rize-Artvin Airport, demonstrating its impressive range of over 300 kilometers and significantly enhancing Türkiye’s deterrence power.

Ballistic missiles typically reach the edge of the atmosphere, following a parabolic trajectory, which makes them among the hardest weapon systems to intercept. With these capabilities, TAYFUN not only strengthens Türkiye’s border security but also provides a credible deterrent against potential threats beyond its borders. This positions Türkiye as an even stronger actor in the regional security landscape.

The decision to carry out the test from Rize was also a strategic one. Given the missile’s long range, the location was chosen to avoid the risk of entering another country’s airspace, ensuring both safety and efficiency during the trial. TAYFUN is expected to replace the BORA Tactical Ballistic Missile, becoming Türkiye’s longest-range land-to-land missile system to date.

This development is significant not only for its military value but also for what it represents in terms of Türkiye’s independence and capability in defense technologies. By successfully developing such an advanced missile entirely with domestic resources, Türkiye has opened a new chapter in international defense balances while delivering a powerful message regarding its regional security posture.