CİRİT is a next-generation guided rocket system that combines the affordability of conventional 70 mm unguided rockets with the accuracy of laser guidance. Modern battlefields increasingly demand precision engagement capabilities, especially in asymmetric warfare and urban operations where minimizing collateral damage is critical. CİRİT was developed specifically to meet this requirement.

Operational Purpose and Role

CİRİT is optimized for engaging:

• Light armored vehicles
• Soft-skinned vehicles
• Technical vehicles
• Personnel concentrations
• Defensive positions
• Small structures
• Low-speed naval targets

While heavy anti-tank missiles may be excessive and costly for such targets, unguided rockets lack sufficient precision. CİRİT fills this operational gap by delivering controlled, accurate firepower at reduced cost.

Doctrine and Concept of Use

CİRİT is typically employed in:

• Close Air Support (CAS)
• Counter-insurgency operations
• Border security missions
• Anti-vehicle operations
• Maritime patrol engagements

The missile uses semi-active laser guidance. Targets may be designated by:

• The launching platform itself
• A forward observer
• Another aircraft
• A ground unit

This supports network-enabled warfare and cooperative targeting concepts.

System Architecture

CİRİT consists of three main sections:

• Guidance and control unit (front section)
• Warhead
• Rocket motor

It maintains compatibility with the standard 70 mm rocket architecture. Launch operations utilize Roketsan’s Smart Pod, compatible with:

• MIL-A-8591
• MIL-STD-1553
• MIL-STD-1760

These interface standards enable integration across multiple air platforms.

Precision and Engagement Process

CİRİT operates via semi-active laser homing:

• Target is designated with a coded laser beam
• Missile is launched
• The seeker tracks reflected laser energy
• Terminal phase correction ensures high accuracy impact

The exact Circular Error Probable (CEP) is not publicly disclosed, but it is reported to be significantly lower than unguided rocket systems.

Survivability and Tactical Advantages

• Reduced collateral damage due to controlled warhead
• Fast reaction time
• Multiple rockets per launcher pod
• Cost-effective salvo capability

Limitations include:

• Line-of-sight requirement for laser designation
• Reduced performance in heavy fog, rain, or dust
• Potential vulnerability to laser countermeasures

Variants and Warhead Options

Publicly known warhead configurations include:

• Multi-purpose warhead
• High-explosive fragmentation
• Armor-piercing variant

Detailed penetration data is not publicly available.

Operational Use and Inventory

CİRİT is in service with the Turkish Armed Forces. Export agreements have been publicly announced with several countries. Integration has been reported on attack helicopters such as AH-64 Apache, light attack aircraft, UAVs, and various other platforms.

Detailed Technical Specifications

Dimensions and Weight

• Caliber: 70 mm (2.75 inches)
• Length: Approximately 1.9 meters
• Weight: Approximately 14–15 kg (depending on configuration)

Range

• Minimum range: ~1.5 km
• Maximum range: ~8 km (air-launched, platform-dependent)

Ground and naval launch ranges may be shorter.

Guidance System

• Semi-active laser seeker
• Forward-mounted laser seeker head
• Control fins for mid-course and terminal correction

Warhead

• Multi-purpose warhead options
• Approx. 3 kg class warhead
• Exact explosive composition not publicly disclosed

Platform Integration

Compatible platforms include:

• T129 ATAK
• AH-1W Super Cobra
• AH-64 Apache (integration publicly referenced)
• Armed UAVs
• Light attack aircraft
• Ground launch systems
• Naval platforms

Command and Control

CİRİT does not use an onboard data link. It relies on laser designation for terminal guidance. Fire control is managed through the host platform’s mission computer.

Electronic Warfare Considerations

• Potential susceptibility to smoke screens and laser jamming
• Reported filtering algorithms against false reflections
• Detailed ECCM capabilities not publicly disclosed

Logistics and Deployment

• Delivered in launch tube assemblies
• Easy loading and unloading
• Low maintenance requirements
• Multiple rockets per pod configuration

Frequently Asked Questions

What is CİRİT used for?

• CİRİT is used for precision engagement of light armored and soft targets. It is especially effective in urban and asymmetric warfare scenarios where minimizing collateral damage is essential.

What is the maximum range of CİRİT?

• When air-launched, the maximum range is approximately 8 km, depending on launch altitude and speed.

What types of targets can it engage?

• It is effective against light armored vehicles, soft vehicles, personnel, defensive positions, and small maritime targets.

Is CİRİT mobile or fixed?

• CİRİT is platform-flexible. It can be launched from helicopters, UAVs, ground vehicles, and naval platforms.

How many targets can it engage simultaneously?

• Simultaneous engagement depends on the platform’s targeting system. Multiple rockets can be carried in a single pod, enabling rapid sequential engagements.

What are its equivalents?

• Comparable systems include the U.S. APKWS 70 mm laser-guided rocket system. CİRİT competes in the same class with modular warhead options and dedicated smart pod architecture.