Turkey unveils its first hypersonic missile

At the 17th International Defense Industry Fair IDEF 2025 in Istanbul, which began on July 22, Turkey presented its first hypersonic weapon — the Tayfun Block‑4 ballistic missile, developed by the state-owned company Roketsan.

The new version of the well-known Tayfun missile has acquired hypersonic status — it weighs over seven tons, which is significantly heavier than previous versions (about 2.3 t), can reach speeds of over Mach 5 (around 6,000 km/h), and hit targets up to 800 km away.

According to developers, due to its maneuverability and multi-role warhead, the Tayfun Block‑4 is capable of effectively destroying air defense systems, command centers, hangars, and other strategic targets at long range.

Roketsan also emphasized that this is the longest-range and heaviest product in the Tayfun family, marking a new chapter in the development of Turkey's defense industry. Compared to standard ballistic missiles, the new hypersonic variant provides greater accuracy: its circular error probable does not exceed five meters. This makes Tayfun Block‑4 a serious challenge even for modern missile defense systems.

The missile's unveiling attracted significant interest from international partners and media. Economic publication IndiaTimes noted that this step will strengthen Turkey’s role as a technological partner for regional powers like Pakistan and could shift strategic balances in South Asia.

IDEF 2025 is being held with the participation of about 900 domestic and 400 international companies from 44 countries, including defense industry leaders such as BAE Systems, Lockheed Martin, Airbus, and others.

Roketsan’s stand also featured other innovations: aerial bombs, cruise missiles, hypersonic and ballistic systems, including submarine- and aircraft-based models – Atmaca, Gokbora, Eren, 300 Er, and even the space rocket Şimşek‑2.

At the opening ceremony, Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan emphasized that IDEF4 confirms the country’s course towards technological and defense independence despite external pressure and embargoes.

Thus, Tayfun Block‑4 represents an important step for Turkey in hypersonic technology, demonstrating its ambition to become a key player in the global defense market.