The Atmaca Anti-Ship Missile, developed through a collaboration between ROKETSAN, ASELSAN, and ARMERKOM for the Turkish Naval Forces, is a domestic alternative to the Harpoon missile. Notable for its longer range, lighter weight, and higher domestic production rate, Atmaca has successfully undergone test launches from the TCG KINALIADA corvette. It currently uses French Safran TR40 turbo-jet engines, with plans to switch to Kale Arge’s KTJ-3200 engines soon. The missile will be integrated into 11 platforms within the Turkish Naval Forces. The Atmaca Anti-Ship Missile project commenced in 2009 with ROKETSAN as the main contractor, in collaboration with ASELSAN and ARMERKOM. Designed as an alternative to the Harpoon missile, it aimed to surpass in terms of range, weight, and domestic production. The first significant test firing was conducted from the TCG KINALIADA (F-514), the last ship of the MİLGEM Ada class, on November 4, 2019. The first live warhead launch occurred on February 4, 2021, followed by the serial production qualification launch on June 18, 2021.

Engine and Integration:

Currently, Atmaca missiles are equipped with TR40 turbo-jet engines produced by the French company Safran. However, plans are underway to replace these with KTJ-3200 turbo-jet engines manufactured by Kale Arge. The missile is set to be integrated into 11 different platforms of the Turkish Naval Forces, although the specific platforms have not been disclosed.

Strategic Importance and Advanced Features:

Anti-ship missiles are strategically significant weapons for navies. ATMACA provides a substantial power multiplier for the Turkish Navy. Sourcing alternatives like the American-made Harpoon from abroad is costly and cumbersome, making ATMACA’s domestic production a significant advantage. Periodic inspections by missile-producing countries can be a concern, but domestic production reduces such dependencies. Development of an advanced version, Atmaca Block-2, is ongoing, and a land-based ATMACA cruise missile variant has also been developed.

Technical Specifications:

• Length: 4.3-5.2 meters
• Weight: Less than 750 kg
• Range: Over 220 km
• Guidance: INS, GPS, Barometric Altimeter, Radar Altimeter, TERCOM
• Warhead Type: High explosive, Fragmentation, Penetration
• Warhead Weight: 220 kg
• Seeker Head: Active RF

Additional Features:

• Autonomous navigation
• Long range
• Low radar signature
• High precision
• Countermeasure resilience
• Three-dimensional mission planning
• Data Link with Target Update, Retargeting, Mission Abortion capabilities
• All-weather operation