YILDIRIMHAN, announced as the largest and longest-range missile ever developed by Türkiye, was unveiled for the first time at SAHA 2026 International Defense, Aerospace and Space Industry Fair. Displayed at the Istanbul Expo Center under the organization of SAHA Istanbul, the missile drew major attention as one of the most striking systems introduced at the event. Developed by the R&D unit of the Turkish Ministry of National Defense, YILDIRIMHAN represents a new phase in Türkiye’s strategic missile capabilities.

According to the technical information shared, YILDIRIMHAN is positioned as a long-range ballistic missile with a range of 6,000 kilometers. Its speed capability, stated as between Mach 9 and Mach 25, places the system within the category of hypersonic missile technologies. The missile is reported to use liquid rocket fuel and to feature four large rocket propulsion nozzles. Minister of National Defense Yaşar Güler described YILDIRIMHAN as Türkiye’s first liquid rocket-fueled missile capable of hypersonic flight and the longest-range missile developed by the country to date.

The design details on the missile’s body also attracted attention. The name YILDIRIMHAN appears in gold lettering on a white fuselage, while the tughra of Ottoman Sultan Yıldırım Bayezid is placed on one side of the body. Near the nose section, the signature of Mustafa Kemal Atatürk, the founder of the Republic of Türkiye, is featured. These symbolic elements present the platform not only as a technical defense system, but also as a strategic project carrying historical and national references.

Türkiye has gained important missile capabilities in recent years through systems such as TAYFUN, which demonstrated short- and medium-range ballistic missile performance. With YILDIRIMHAN, this capability is expected to move to a much longer-range and higher-speed level. The reported 6,000-kilometer range indicates that Türkiye is working on missile technologies capable of influencing a much wider geography. In this respect, YILDIRIMHAN stands out not only as a missile system, but also as a critical step toward strengthening long-range strike capability within Türkiye’s national defense doctrine.

YILDIRIMHAN is expected to begin test firings in the coming period. The testing process will be decisive for verifying the missile’s range, speed, flight stability, mission profile, engine performance and targeting capability. Its unveiling at SAHA 2026 is therefore considered an important milestone in making the development process visible and demonstrating Türkiye’s ambitions in strategic missile technologies to the international defense community.

In addition to YILDIRIMHAN, several other next-generation systems developed by the Ministry of National Defense’s R&D unit were also introduced at SAHA 2026. According to Minister Güler, the “Uçan” turbofan aircraft engine, the “Onur” turboshaft helicopter engine and the PNR-53 sniper rifle with a range of 2,100 meters were among the systems displayed at the fair. These products show that MSB R&D is developing new capabilities not only in missile and ammunition systems, but also in engine technologies and small arms.

The first public appearance of YILDIRIMHAN at SAHA 2026 marks the opening of a new chapter for Türkiye in long-range missile technologies. With its liquid rocket propulsion, claimed hypersonic speed, reported 6,000-kilometer range and strategic deterrence role, YILDIRIMHAN stands out as one of Türkiye’s most notable missile projects. Its technical capabilities are expected to become clearer once the planned testing process is completed.