Turkey's Tayfun will enter serial production this year.
In Turkey, work on the advanced short-range Tayfun missile system is nearing completion. Necessary testing is underway, and a production line for serial assembly of the missiles and other components is being prepared. The first new missiles are expected to roll off the assembly line this year. They will then be deployed to the Turkish army's combat units, significantly enhancing their strike potential.
Done and planned
Development of the Tayfun series missile systems presumably began in the 2010s. Roketsan A.Ş., with assistance from a number of government and commercial organizations, is responsible for creating these weapons. During the first years, work on the Typhoons was conducted behind closed doors and went unreported.
The existence of the new project became known in October 2022, when the Turkish military and Roketsan conducted the first test launch of the new missile. This event was initially observed by bystanders, and only then did officials boast of the new achievements. Furthermore, the design characteristics of the first version of the system, designated Tayfun Block 1, were revealed.
The second modification of the Typhoon at the IDEF 2025 exhibition
Last July, the IDEF 2025 military-technical exhibition was held in Istanbul. At the event, Roketsan announced for the first time the development of a new modification to its existing missile system. Furthermore, a full-scale mockup of the advanced missile, designated Tayfun Block 4, was unveiled at the pavilion.
The Block-4 project developed a larger and heavier missile with improved technical and combat characteristics. By the time of its premiere, the developer had completed the bulk of the design work and was already preparing to begin testing the new system. The first launch was promised to take place soon.
However, this promise was not fulfilled. Preparations took several more months, and the first test launch of the new Typhoon did not take place until October 24. The Ministry of Defense and Roketsan reported the success of the tests, but did not disclose all their details. In particular, the range and accuracy remained unknown.
Production plan
As far as is known, the Tayfun complex has only completed one test launch of a Block 4 rocket. No information has been received about further similar events or preparations for them. However, the customer and developer decided that one successful launch was sufficient to continue work.
Self-propelled launcher without a TPK with missiles
On February 15, the first reports appeared on Turkish industry media about the continuation of work on the Typhoon project and its transition to a new phase. This information was soon confirmed by Roketsan management. Key plans for the foreseeable future were also revealed.
The developer is reportedly preparing to launch serial production of the new missiles. The launch is expected this year, although a specific date has not yet been announced. Consequently, the first Block-4 missile systems could be delivered to ground forces units by the end of the year.
It remains unknown how soon the Turkish army will receive a sufficient number of the new Tayfun missiles, master them, and reach the required level of readiness. However, high hopes are already being placed on these systems. Both Typhoon variants will become Turkey's longest-range missile system and are expected to significantly enhance its strategic strike capabilities.
Technical features
The Tayfun is a self-propelled missile system designed to engage various targets at a wide range. Depending on the munition used and the classification applied, it can be classified as either an operational-tactical system or a short-range system. Regardless of the definition used, the Tayfun is currently the most advanced Turkish development in its class.
SPU in expanded form
The system consists of a self-propelled launcher, two types of missiles, a transporter-loader vehicle, and a number of auxiliary components. The launcher and the transporter-loader vehicle are built on a special high-capacity chassis. Interestingly, the combat vehicle shown earlier is built on a Belarusian-made Volat chassis, while the transporter-loader vehicle uses a German platform.
The SPU uses a four-axle, all-wheel-drive chassis with excellent mobility, maneuverability, and cross-country capability. It houses a two-row armored cabin with crew stations, including the gunner/operator. The chassis' cargo platform contains a set of enclosures and boxes for various equipment and supplies. Hydraulic jacks are also installed for leveling the launch position.
The vehicle carries a relatively simple launcher in the form of a swinging frame. Hydraulic drives allow it to be horizontally positioned and raised to the desired elevation angle. Two transport and launch containers containing missiles of one model or another are mounted on the frame.
The SPU is equipped with all the necessary equipment for firing control. The crew uses navigation and communication systems, as well as a computer that calculates firing data and transmits it to the missile's electronics. Nearly all launch preparation operations are performed from the cockpit and take minimal time.
TZM with Block 4 missile in TPK
Both Typhoon missiles have a similar design. They are single-stage solid-fuel rockets with a conical nose cone, a cylindrical body, and tail fins. The basic Block 1 missile is 6,5 meters long and has a body diameter of 610 mm. The new Block 4 is significantly larger: 10 meters long and 938 mm in diameter. Its weight has also increased, from 2,3 tons to 7,2 tons.
The differences in missile size are primarily due to the different solid-fuel motors used, which also determine the key characteristics of the munitions. For example, the Tyfun Block 1 missile, with its smaller motor, has a launch range of no more than 800 km. For the new Block 4, this range is stated at 1000 km.
The customer and developer report that both Typhoons reach speeds of at least Mach 5 during their final trajectory. Consequently, the missile is referred to as hypersonic in promotional materials. The accuracy of this designation is highly questionable.
Both missiles are equipped with a guidance system typical for such weapons. They are equipped with satellite and inertial navigation systems. According to some reports, the Turkish missile is capable of using both the American GPS and Russian GLONASS systems. Tests of the missiles reportedly demonstrated a circular error probable of approximately 5 meters.
Reloading of TPK to SPU
Both versions of the Tayfun missile are equipped with single-warhead high-explosive fragmentation warheads. The Block 1 missile has a payload of 500 kg. The new Block 4 missile can carry a heavier warhead, but its specifications have not yet been disclosed. It is unknown whether the warhead is detachable.
The two types of missiles are shipped from the factory in rectangular transport and launch containers. The system's standard transport and launch vehicle can carry two such containers and, using its own crane, unload them onto the launcher. The launcher can be reloaded in a few minutes, after which it can return to its launch position.
Notable achievements
It's worth noting that Turkey's military-industrial complex has long been developing various types of missile systems for ground forces. Over time, the Ministry of Defense and its contractors have progressed to the creation of fully-fledged operational-tactical missile systems. The very existence of such projects is an undeniable success for Turkish industry.
Roketsan has now developed and tested the new Tayfun system, which features two missiles with different characteristics. These systems are reportedly set to enter production and enter service soon. Whether the Turkish Army will be able to obtain the desired weaponry on time and realize its full potential remains to be seen. However, the Ministry of Defense and Roketsan already have reason to be proud.
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