Technology: Türkiye Advances Indigenous Air-to-Air Arsenal with GÖKHAN Ramjet Missile Design Completion.

Türkiye has successfully completed the preliminary design phase of its indigenous GÖKHAN ramjet-powered air-to-air missile, a major step forward in the country's ambition to develop a domestically produced long-range missile system capable of engaging aerial threats beyond visual range. This advancement comes as part of the "National Ramjet Powered Air-to-Air Missile (GÖKHAN) Development Project," initiated under a contract signed between the Ministry of National Defense and TÜBİTAK SAGE on May 21, 2021.
Follow Army Recognition on Google News at this link

Conceptual illustration of Türkiye’s GÖKHAN ramjet-powered air-to-air missile, designed for beyond-visual-range engagements and integration on F-16 and KAAN fighter aircraft. (Picture source: Army Recognition Group)

The GÖKHAN project aims to equip the Turkish Air Force with a new generation of air-to-air missiles designed to establish air superiority in contested environments. The program focuses on the creation of a missile system with ramjet propulsion, which enables sustained high-speed flight over extended ranges. While official specifications have not been disclosed, early estimates suggest that GÖKHAN will be capable of striking targets at distances exceeding 100 km.

With the completion of both the Conceptual Design Phase and the Preliminary Design Phase, the project has now entered the Ground Tests Phase. This stage will involve detailed subsystem evaluations, system-level verifications, and the start of flight and firing tests. These tests are expected to validate the missile’s propulsion behavior, guidance system performance, structural integrity, and aerodynamic characteristics under real-world conditions.

GÖKHAN’s propulsion is based on a ramjet engine, which uses atmospheric oxygen for combustion during flight. This gives the missile a significant advantage over conventional solid-fueled systems, allowing it to maintain speed throughout its engagement envelope. Ramjet technology increases the missile’s no-escape zone and terminal maneuvering capability, making it especially effective against fast-moving and maneuvering airborne targets at long distances.

The missile will initially be integrated on Türkiye’s upgraded F-16 fighter jets, serving as a key enabler of long-range interception and self-defense capabilities. It will later be adapted for the KAAN National Combat Aircraft, Türkiye’s indigenous fifth-generation stealth fighter currently under development by Turkish Aerospace Industries. The pairing of GÖKHAN with KAAN will result in a fully Turkish-made air combat system, reducing reliance on foreign suppliers and enhancing national defense autonomy.

The GÖKHAN project reflects the rapid maturation of Türkiye’s defense industry over the past decade. Turkish defense institutions — including TÜBİTAK SAGE, ASELSAN, ROKETSAN, and HAVELSAN — have expanded their technological base through sustained investment in critical defense systems. TÜBİTAK SAGE, the lead developer of GÖKHAN, has previously delivered successful guided munitions such as the GÖKDOĞAN and BOZDOĞAN air-to-air missiles, as well as the SOM cruise missile and a series of guidance kits for precision strike.

The development of GÖKHAN places Türkiye among the few NATO member states pursuing ramjet-powered missile systems. Comparable efforts in Europe have produced the MBDA Meteor, while similar technologies are in development or operation in countries such as India, China, and Russia. By completing the preliminary design phase and advancing toward live testing, Türkiye demonstrates not only the technical viability of its program but also its strategic intent to develop advanced deterrent capabilities in the air domain.

Once fielded, GÖKHAN will enhance the Turkish Air Force’s ability to protect high-value assets, defend against enemy fighters and missile carriers, and provide long-range engagement options in complex air defense environments. Its integration on both current and next-generation aircraft platforms ensures that Türkiye will possess a scalable and sustainable capability to maintain air dominance.

As the program moves into the next testing phases, additional technical data and performance results are expected to be released. The continued progress of GÖKHAN signals Türkiye’s intent to assert a more independent and technologically advanced posture in aerial warfare, consolidating the role of its national defense industry in supporting long-term strategic goals.