06.05.2026 08:40
Türkiye announced its new move in the defense industry to the world at SAHA EXPO 2026. Türkiye‘s first intercontinental ballistic missile, “Yıldırımhan,” introduced to the public for the first time by the Ministry of National Defense, made a significant impact in the international press with its technical specifications. The missile, with a range of 6,000 kilometers, was described in the foreign press as “hell from Türkiye.”
Introduced at SAHA EXPO 2026 held in Istanbul, Yıldırımhan stood out as one of Turkey's most ambitious projects in ballistic missile technology. The system, developed with domestic capabilities, is considered to have elevated Turkey among the globally notable countries in this field.
According to information shared by the Ministry of National Defense, Yıldırımhan can reach a range of 6,000 kilometers. It was stated that the missile has a speed capacity ranging from Mach 9 to Mach 25, and this feature makes the system a strategically important force element.
It was announced that the system uses liquid nitrogen tetroxide fuel and is supported by four separate rocket engines. With this infrastructure, it was reported that the missile can reach hypersonic speed levels.
It was noted that thanks to its high speed and advanced maneuverability, Yıldırımhan has the capacity to overcome existing air defense systems. The statements highlighted that the missile's technical features increase operational effectiveness.
Evaluated within the scope of modern warfare doctrines, the system was stated to reach target areas in a very short time, significantly limiting early warning and intervention capabilities.
BECAME A TOPIC IN THE ISRAELI PRESS
The introduction of Yıldırımhan particularly received extensive coverage in the Israeli press. In a news piece covering developments at SAHA EXPO 2026, Israel-based Maariv newspaper used the headline, "World-stunning ballistic missile monster unveiled." The report emphasized that Yıldırımhan represents a significant leap in Turkey's strategic deterrence capacity.
It was commented that due to the missile's range and speed, it has become an "impossible target" for air defense systems in the region.
Maariv's report also noted that Turkey has moved beyond being just an "UAV superpower," stating, "By developing intercontinental missiles, it shows its desire to completely break free from dependence on foreign arms manufacturers and establish its own deterrence power."
"HELL FROM TURKEY"
Another Israeli publication, Kikar newspaper, announced the development to its readers with the headline "Hell from Turkey." The report used phrases such as "An unprecedented Turkish weapons inventory was unveiled at SAHA EXPO 2026."
Spain-based defense and aviation publication Aviacionline also reported the development under the headline, "Turkey introduces its first intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM) Yıldırım."
UAE-based The National highlighted Turkey's rise to a significant military supplier position in the defense industry in recent years. The report stated, "The NATO member country is gaining a reputation as a major military supplier. The Yıldırım missile has a range of 6,000 km, meaning it can strike much of Europe, large parts of Asia, and most of Africa."