Turkey plans to test fire intercontinental ballistic missile
Updated
Updated · Bloomberg · May 6
Turkey plans to test fire intercontinental ballistic missile
12 articles · Updated · Bloomberg · May 6
The missile, unveiled at an expo this week, has a reported 6,000km range and could be test-fired in Somalia later this year at the earliest.
People familiar with the plans said the weapon would put much of Europe and the Middle East within reach and support Turkey's longer-term goal of launching real-time intelligence satellites.
If realised, the move would place Turkey among a small group of states with ICBM capability, marking a major expansion of its strategic military reach.
With a new ICBM that can reach Europe, is Turkey hedging against its own NATO allies?
Why test its most powerful missile in Somalia, signaling a new chapter in Turkey's global ambitions?
Why does Turkey's new ICBM have a massive payload, hinting at a new kind of strategic weapon?
Yıldırımhan ICBM: Turkey’s Leap to 6,000 km Intercontinental Strike Capability at SAHA 2026
Overview
On May 5, 2026, Turkey unveiled the Yıldırımhan ICBM, marking its entry into the exclusive group of nations with intercontinental ballistic missile capability. This milestone reflects Turkey's strategic shift from dependence on foreign arms to becoming a leading defense producer, driven by regional threats and a long-standing pursuit of strategic autonomy. The missile's advanced features, including a 6,000 km range and hypersonic speeds, pose significant technical challenges and have strained NATO relations, especially with Greece. While initial deployment will rely on fixed sites due to liquid-fueled propulsion, Turkey is developing solid-fuel technology for future mobile launchers, signaling its commitment to a resilient, independent deterrent and reshaping regional security dynamics.