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First Successful Live Fire Test of Göksur Missile Conducted by Turkish Navy.
The Turkish Navy has successfully conducted the first live fire test of its indigenous naval point defense missile system, Göksur. This test, which took place on February 16, 2025, was carried out off the coast of Sinop in northern Turkey, from the TCG BEYKOZ vessel. The success of this launch marks a milestone in Turkey's ongoing efforts to enhance its naval defense capabilities and strengthen the nation's commitment to safeguarding its maritime assets.
he system is designed to provide robust protection for naval assets against a wide range of airborne threats. (Picture source: Aselsan)
Developed by Aselsan, Turkey's leading defense company, Göksur is a vital component of the country's multi-layered air defense network, Steel Dome. The system is designed to provide robust protection for naval assets against a wide range of airborne threats. These include anti-ship missiles, cruise missiles, both armed and unarmed aerial vehicles, as well as fighter jets and helicopters. With this advanced defense system, Turkey aims to significantly enhance its naval defense posture, ensuring it can effectively counter threats from both near and long distances.
The Göksur missile system is the result of a collaborative effort between Aselsan and Tûbitak Sage. At the heart of the system lies the Göksur IIR missile, which is equipped with a high-performance infrared seeker and features bidirectional data link communication. These advanced technologies enable the missile to achieve superior operational capabilities, such as enhanced target detection and tracking, even in complex and cluttered environments. The modular design of the missile allows for easy integration onto various naval platforms, including frigates and corvettes, making it a versatile addition to Turkey's naval defense arsenal. This adaptability was prominently showcased at the Euronaval 2024 exhibition in Paris, where Göksur garnered significant attention for its cutting-edge features.
The Göksur system is available in multiple configurations, each offering different operational capabilities to suit a variety of mission requirements. These configurations include the Göksur 100-N Vertical Launch System (VLS), the GÖKSUR 100-N/StA turret system, and the new Göksur 100-N configuration, which features a 20-missile capacity. Each configuration is designed to improve operational readiness and expand the system's versatility, thereby ensuring a comprehensive defense for Turkey's naval assets.
One of the standout features of the Göksur system is its 360-degree threat elimination capability, which allows it to detect and neutralize threats from any direction. The system is also equipped with next-generation infrared seeker-guided munitions, providing it with the ability to engage low-flying targets with high precision. Furthermore, the GÖKSUR system supports multi-engagement capabilities, enabling it to handle multiple threats simultaneously, thereby enhancing its overall effectiveness. The system is powered by an AI-assisted fire control system, which significantly improves the accuracy and speed of response, ensuring that threats are neutralized in the shortest possible time.
The modular structure of the Göksur system allows for both independent operation and seamless integration with a platform's existing combat management system. This integration further enhances its operational flexibility, enabling it to be used in a wide range of mission scenarios. Additionally, the system's data link capabilities ensure mid-course guidance through both uplink and downlink communication, further improving its overall effectiveness and precision during operations.
The success of this live fire test serves as a testament to Turkey's commitment to advancing its defense technologies. It marks a significant step forward in strengthening the country's naval defense capabilities, providing the Turkish Navy with a highly effective tool to protect its maritime interests against evolving threats. With its advanced features and versatility, the Göksur system is poised to play a pivotal role in securing Turkey’s naval dominance in the years to come.