Defense Minister Yaşar Güler introduced Türkiye’s new-generation defense technologies, including the hypersonic YILDIRIMHAN missile and domestically developed aircraft engines.
Türkiye unveiled several new defense industry products, including the hypersonic ballistic missile “YILDIRIMHAN,” during the opening of a major exhibition stand at SAHA 2026.
The opening ceremony at the Istanbul Expo Center was attended by Turkish Defense Minister Yaşar Güler. Organized by SAHA Istanbul, the event is recognized as one of Europe’s largest defense, aviation, and aerospace industry gatherings.
Fotoğraf: Gülseren Karapınar/İstanbul,(DHA)
FOCUS ON R&D AND HIGH TECHNOLOGY
Speaking at the event, Güler stated that Türkiye’s defense industry has evolved into a technology-driven ecosystem focused on research and development while simultaneously expanding production capacity.
He emphasized that long-term planning, political determination, sustainable development, and strong coordination have played key roles in reaching the current stage. Güler added that rapidly advancing technologies and changing security needs require continuous innovation, stressing that R&D-oriented product development remains essential for strengthening the defense sector sustainably.
YILDIRIMHAN HIGHLIGHTED AS KEY SYSTEM
Among the systems introduced, Güler drew attention to the “YILDIRIMHAN” long-range missile, describing it as Türkiye’s first liquid-fueled rocket capable of hypersonic flight and the country’s longest-range missile developed to date.
He also introduced the “Güçhan” turbofan aircraft engine, stating that all critical components were domestically developed through national R&D efforts. Another system presented was the “Onur” turboshaft helicopter engine, whose turbine systems and key components were also locally produced.
LONG-RANGE SNIPER SYSTEM DISPLAYED
The exhibition additionally featured the “PNR-53 Sniper,” described as the lightest weapon in its class globally, with a maximum firing range of 2,100 meters.
Güler praised the engineers and researchers behind the projects, noting that the technologies were developed through significant sacrifice and dedicated work by a limited number of specialists in Türkiye’s research and development sector.