Turkey unveils first intercontinental ballistic missile

Turkey unveiled its first intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM) prototype, named Yildirimhan (meaning 'lightning' in Turkish), at the SAHA 2026 exhibition in Istanbul on May 21. The move is part of Ankara's efforts to achieve defense autonomy and solidify its role as a key player in the Middle East and within NATO.

The missile, developed by the Research and Development Center of Turkey's Ministry of National Defense, has a range of 6,000 km (3,728 miles). According to the Federation of American Scientists, ballistic missiles with a range exceeding 5,500 km are classified as ICBMs. If launched from Turkish territory, Yildirimhan could reach targets across Europe, Africa, and Asia.

Turkish media, citing state-run Anadolu Agency, reported that the missile reaches a maximum speed of Mach 25 (25 times the speed of sound), is equipped with four boosters, uses liquid nitrogen tetroxide fuel, and can carry a warhead of up to 3,000 kg. Turkey has not yet entered mass production.

Speaking at the exhibition, Turkish Defense Minister Yasar Guler stated: 'In an era where economic costs have become an asymmetric weapon, Turkey offers its allies not only weapons systems but also technology and a sustainable security economy.'

Experts view the prototype as a symbolic breakthrough. Ozgur Unluhisarcikli, regional director at the German Marshall Fund (U.S.), noted that Turkey does not necessarily need ICBMs to deter existing threats, but the ability to produce them domestically is crucial. Meanwhile, Ali Bakir, a senior fellow at the Middle East Council on Global Affairs, commented: 'This development places Ankara among a select group of nations with advanced defense technology, reinforcing its super-regional status.'

The unveiling comes amid heightened tensions in the Middle East, including the U.S.-Israel confrontation with Iran, ceasefire violations in Lebanon and Gaza, and warnings from Israel about an emerging 'Turkish threat.' Bakir noted that Israel is not the sole driver; the move sends a message to both allies and adversaries, aligning with the long-term vision of the AKP Party and President Erdogan to reduce dependence on foreign defense equipment.

Turkey currently has the second-largest standing army in NATO and is a notable arms exporter. The country has pursued military self-reliance since the mid-1980s and accelerated domestic production efforts from the 2010s onward. According to local data, Turkey's defense and aerospace exports reached a record $10.05 billion in 2025. The Bayraktar TB2 drone, a symbol of Turkey's defense industry, has been exported to at least 31 countries.