The SOM-J cruise missile, developed in collaboration between TÜBİTAK SAGE and Roketsan, has reached a milestone with a successful test against a maritime target, marking an important step in enhancing Türkiye’s strike capabilities. On March 21, 2025, an F-16 from the Turkish Air Force’s 401st Test Squadron launched the missile, which accurately struck its designated target at sea, demonstrating its operational effectiveness and versatility.
This test marks the first use of the SOM-J against a surface target. Initially designed for strikes against land-based targets, the missile has been adapted to engage naval platforms. With its advanced navigation capabilities, it can be deployed on both manned aircraft and unmanned combat aerial vehicles (UCAVs) such as the Kaan, Kizilelma, and Anka-3. Its integration into the internal weapon bays of next-generation aircraft highlights its flexibility and compatibility with modern combat requirements.
The SOM-J incorporates several key technical features, including a range of 275 kilometers, high subsonic speed, and a 140 kg warhead. Its guidance system integrates multiple navigation technologies, including the Inertial Navigation System (INS), Global Positioning System (GPS), Terrain Relative Navigation (TRN), and Automatic Target Acquisition (ATA). The missile is equipped with an imaging infrared (IIR) seeker to enhance targeting precision in the terminal phase. Its low radar cross-section and resistance to electronic countermeasures increase its survivability in contested environments.
Türkiye’s Minister of Industry and Technology, Mehmet Fatih Kacır, highlighted the missile’s potential on social media, stating that the SOM-J will serve as a force multiplier for the Turkish Armed Forces. He emphasized its capability to neutralize high-value targets at long range and its advanced features, including post-launch control via data link, target updates, mission cancellation, and radar emission suppression.
The footage released by Kacır showed an F-16 taking off with the SOM-J mounted under its wing before launching the missile. The video depicted the missile striking a target placed on a barge at sea, though no explosion was visible, suggesting that the test missile was unarmed. TÜBİTAK SAGE confirmed that the SOM-J had successfully demonstrated its full functionality in terms of data link communication, maximum range, and strike accuracy.
The development of the SOM-J aligns with Türkiye’s strategy to strengthen its technological autonomy in cruise missile production. Initially designed for integration into the F-35 Joint Strike Fighter (JSF) program, the missile was repurposed for national platforms following Türkiye’s removal from the program. It is now compatible with F-16 aircraft and will also be deployed on UCAVs such as the Bayraktar Akıncı and Kizilelma, broadening its operational scope within the Turkish Armed Forces.
Haluk Görgün, head of Türkiye’s Presidency of Defence Industries (SSB), also welcomed the successful test, noting that the SOM-J represents a significant step in the country’s missile development efforts. He described it as a key component of Türkiye’s defense industry, citing its deterrence value and strike capabilities.
With its ability to engage both land and naval targets, the SOM-J plays a crucial role in Türkiye’s precision strike capabilities. Its compact design and compatibility with internal weapon bays make it a relevant asset for modern warfare, where stealth and accuracy are essential. The missile’s integration into Türkiye’s defense systems and its deployment on multiple aerial platforms reflect the country’s efforts to establish a self-sufficient defense industry.
The successful test represents a new phase in the SOM-J’s development and for Türkiye’s missile program. By advancing autonomous and resilient weapon systems, Türkiye continues to expand its long-range strike capabilities in line with evolving operational needs. The SOM-J is expected to remain a key asset in future air operations, further reinforcing its role within the country’s strategic arsenal.
