Turkey has begun serial production of the SOM-J cruise missile, marking a significant step toward fielding an indigenous stand-off strike capability across both manned and unmanned platforms.
The milestone follows the missile’s final live-fire test from an F-16 fighter jet, where it successfully hit a sea-based target.
The test also verified the missile’s low-observability in the radio frequency band, according to TurDef.
Developed by Roketsan in cooperation with Tubitak Sage, the SOM-J is a compact, precision-guided air-to-surface cruise missile designed primarily for internal carriage on modern fighter jets.
For Manned, Unmanned Platforms
Originally intended for integration with F-35 Lightning II jets, the missile program was redirected following Turkey’s removal from the F-35 program. It is now being adapted for indigenous platforms such as the TAI TF-X Kaan and unmanned systems such as the Bayraktar Kızılelma.
The missile is also being considered for integration with the Turkish Air Force’s F-16 fleet, offering an expanded capability set beyond existing munitions such as SOM-A and SOM-B.
Lighter than the baseline SOM and featuring folding wings and fins for internal carriage, the SOM-J weighs approximately 540 kilograms (1,190 pounds) and carries a 140-kilogram (309-pound) penetrating high-explosive fragmentation warhead optimized for both maritime and land targets.
The missile offers a range exceeding 250 kilometers (155 miles), incorporates low-observable design features, and employs advanced guidance systems, including imaging infrared seekers and GPS/INS navigation, enabling high-precision strikes against a range of targets.
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