IISS | Sıtkı Egeli, Arda Mevlütoğlu
Türkiye has significantly advanced its missile capabilities, driven by regional threats and a strategic imperative for defense-industrial autonomy. Historically reliant on NATO, Ankara shifted its posture after the Iran–Iraq and Gulf Wars, recognizing vulnerabilities to missile attacks and the limitations of Alliance arrangements. This led to a twin-track approach: importing systems while building an indigenous design and manufacturing base, notably under Roketsan and TUBITAK SAGE. Türkiye acceded to the Missile Technology Control Regime in 1997, yet pursued longer-range ballistic options, with presidential backing for missiles exceeding 800 km and even 2,000 km. Its cruise-missile program, initially shelved, restarted in 2013, bolstered by domestic engine development and adaptable for various platforms, including uncrewed systems. The Russia–Ukraine war and Iran–Israel exchanges underscore the operational value of precision weapons. Türkiye's investment in a Somali spaceport for long-range testing highlights its commitment to further ballistic, cruise, and hypersonic R&D, transforming its guided-weapons sector.
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