The SOM family was developed to meet the operational requirement for a precision-guided stand-off cruise missile capable of neutralizing strategic targets protected by modern integrated air defense systems (IADS). The stand-off concept allows the launch platform to remain outside enemy engagement envelopes, significantly increasing survivability.

Operational Purpose and Role

SOM is primarily designed for:

• Destruction of command and control centers
• Suppression and destruction of air defense systems (SEAD/DEAD)
• Strike against hardened shelters and reinforced structures
• Airbase and infrastructure denial missions
• Anti-surface warfare (C-series variants)

It plays a decisive role in first-wave deep-strike operations aimed at degrading enemy defensive architecture.

Doctrine and Concept of Operations

SOM supports deep strike and precision engagement doctrine. Mission planning is conducted using three-dimensional terrain data before launch. The missile follows a low-altitude terrain-hugging profile to minimize radar detection.

It is capable of engaging time-sensitive or opportunity targets within the limits of publicly disclosed capabilities.

System Architecture

The SOM family is based on a modular architecture integrating:

• Inertial Navigation System (INS)
• Global Positioning System (GPS-supported navigation)
• Terrain Referenced Navigation System (TRNS)
• Imaging Infrared (IIR) seeker for terminal phase (B1/B2 variants)

This architecture ensures precise mid-course navigation and high-accuracy terminal engagement through image matching.

Survivability and Low Observability

The missile incorporates:

• Reduced radar cross-section design
• Low-altitude flight profile
• Programmable attack angles
• Resistance against electronic countermeasures

Specific electronic warfare resistance parameters are not publicly disclosed.

Accuracy and Engagement Process

After release:

• Mid-course navigation via INS/GPS
• Terrain-referenced flight at low altitude
• Terminal seeker activation (IIR in B1/B2)
• Image-based target confirmation
• Optimized impact angle based on mission parameters

Exact Circular Error Probable (CEP) figures are not publicly available.

Variants

• SOM-A: Baseline variant against fixed land targets
• SOM-B1: IIR seeker for terminal target verification
• SOM-B2: Tandem penetrator warhead for hardened targets
• SOM-C1/C2: Anti-ship variants under development
• SOM-J: Reduced-size internal carriage variant
• SOM-J was specifically designed for compatibility with the internal weapons bay of the F-35 Lightning II.

Operational Status

SOM missiles are in service with the Turkish Air Force. Detailed operational usage data remains undisclosed.

Detailed Technical Specifications

Dimensions and Weight

• Length: Approx. 4 meters
• Launch weight: Approx. 600 kg
• Wingspan: Not publicly disclosed

Propulsion

• Engine: KTJ-3200 Turbojet
• Manufacturer: Kale Arge
• Thrust: Not publicly disclosed

Performance

• Range: Over 180 km (some sources indicate up to 250 km depending on configuration)
• Speed: High subsonic
• Flight profile: Low-altitude terrain-following

Warhead

• SOM-A: ~230 kg high-explosive fragmentation
• SOM-B2: Tandem penetrator warhead for hardened targets

Guidance

• INS
• GPS
• Terrain-referenced navigation
• Imaging Infrared (IIR) terminal seeker (B1/B2)

Command & Control

• Pre-loaded mission planning
• In-flight mission parameter updates (limited public data available)

Platform Integration

• F-4 Phantom II
• F-16 Fighting Falcon
• Planned integration with F-35 (SOM-J variant)

Frequently Asked Questions

What is SOM used for?

• SOM is used for long-range precision strikes against strategic and heavily defended targets while keeping the launch aircraft outside hostile air defense zones.

What is the range of SOM?

• Public sources indicate a range exceeding 180 km, with some configurations reportedly reaching up to 250 km. Exact figures depend on variant and mission profile.

What targets can SOM engage?

• Hardened shelters, radar installations, command centers, airbases, infrastructure, and naval surface targets (C-series).

What makes SOM-B2 different?

• SOM-B2 features a tandem penetrator warhead optimized for reinforced and hardened structures.

Is SOM stealthy?

• It incorporates reduced radar cross-section design and low-altitude flight capability to decrease detection probability.

Is SOM operational?

• Yes, it is operational within the Turkish Air Force inventory.

Sources

• Roketsan official product documentation
• TÜBİTAK SAGE official publications
• IDEF exhibition materials
• Kale Arge KTJ-3200 engine documentation