09.05.2026 15:13
The Financial Times extensively covered the YILDIRIMHAN missile introduced by Turkey at SAHA 2026, writing that the system, with its 6,000-kilometer range and hypersonic capabilities, has elevated Turkey to a limited number of countries in this field.
Turkey's 6,000-kilometer range hypersonic ballistic missile YILDIRIMHAN continues to make waves in the international community. The Financial Times, one of the leading British newspapers, gave extensive coverage to the system introduced at SAHA 2026.
“JOINED THE LIMITED NUMBER OF COUNTRIES”
The Financial Times article emphasized that YILDIRIMHAN can reach a range of 6,000 kilometers, carry a 3,000-kilogram warhead, and has high speed capabilities. The report stated, “With YILDIRIMHAN, Turkey has joined the limited number of countries that possess this weapon.”
RAPID RISE IN DEFENSE INDUSTRY
The newspaper also highlighted Turkey's progress in the defense industry in recent years. It noted that a strong production infrastructure has been established in areas such as UAVs, armed UAVs, naval platforms, and missile systems, and reported that Turkey has risen to become the world's 11th largest arms exporter.
The article, which emphasized the growing global influence of Turkish defense companies, cited Baykar's unmanned aerial vehicles and collaborations with Europe as examples.
“ANKARA IS ADVANCING STEADILY”
The article also recalled that Turkey's existing long-range missile system, TAYFUN, reached a range of approximately 600 kilometers in tests, stating that Ankara is “advancing steadily” in missile technologies.
TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS OF YILDIRIMHAN
It was stated that the hypersonic YILDIRIMHAN can reach speeds ranging from Mach 9 to Mach 25. The missile is reported to have the ability to bypass existing air and missile defense systems thanks to its high speed. The system, which uses liquid nitrogen tetroxide fuel and operates with 4 rocket motors, is considered a critical force multiplier in modern warfare doctrines. By shortening the time to reach the target with its high speed and maneuverability, the system limits early warning and interception capabilities. Drawing attention with its 3,000-kilogram explosive capacity, YILDIRIMHAN differentiates itself from similar systems in this regard.