Turkey Unveils First Intercontinental Ballistic Missile at SAHA 2026 Defense Expo
Turkey has revealed a prototype of its first intercontinental ballistic missile, the Yaldyramhan, marking a significant expansion of the nation’s strategic military reach. The new weapon system was showcased during the SAHA 2026 defense exhibition in Istanbul on May 9, 2026.
Developed by a research center under the Turkish Ministry of Defense, the Yaldyramhan missile is designed for extreme speed and distance. According to official data, the missile can reach speeds of Mach 25—exceeding 30,000 kilometers per hour—and possesses a claimed range of approximately 6,000 kilometers. This capability theoretically allows the system to strike targets across various regions of Europe, Asia, and Africa when launched from Turkish territory.
The missile’s name carries historical and symbolic weight; “yaldyram” translates to “lightning,” and “Yaldyram Khan” was the moniker of the Ottoman Sultan Bayezid I, who was noted for his rapid military campaigns and conquests in the Balkans. Technically, the system is powered by four engines utilizing a liquid fuel based on nitrogen tetroxide.
Beyond the ballistic missile, the exhibition highlighted other advancements in Turkey’s autonomous and electronic warfare capabilities. This includes “The Raven,” a new kamikaze drone capable of striking targets with high precision from a distance of 1,000 kilometers. The defense firm Aselsan presented new electronic warfare and anti-drone systems. These developments occur as Turkey, alongside Russia and China, continues to deploy modernized weapon systems to shift regional power dynamics.
Speaking at the event, President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan stated that the Turkish defense industry inspires confidence on a global scale. The rapid advancement of these technologies underscores Turkey’s ambition to become a primary exporter of high-tech military hardware and a dominant strategic force in the Mediterranean and beyond.
