Turkey has unveiled its first intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM), called the Yildirimhan, at the SAHA 2026 International Defense and Aerospace Exhibition in Istanbul. The missile was developed by the Ministry of National Defense’s R&D center and unveiled publicly for the first time at SAHA 2026, one of the most significant defense, aerospace and space industry events in Turkey.

With a stated range of 6,000 kilometers, the Yildirimhan places virtually all of Europe, much of Russia, the Middle East, India and parts of China and Africa within potential reach. Turkey had previously operated shorter-range ballistic missile systems, including the Yildirim family and the Roketsan-developed Bora, with operational ranges between 300 and 900 kilometers. Some unofficial reports had suggested extended variants could reach up to 2,500 kilometers, but the Yildirimhan represents an entirely different class of weapon.

Unlike Turkey’s earlier solid-fuel systems, the new missile uses liquid propellant with nitrogen tetroxide (N₂O₄) as an oxidizer, a technical choice that offers greater energy efficiency and increased flexibility during flight phases. According to its official promotional brochure, the Yildirimhan carries a 3,000-kilogram explosive payload, and its multi-stage architecture features four liquid-fuel rocket engines in its first stage, with the overall system believed to consist of three stages. The missile is estimated to reach speeds of between Mach 9 and Mach 25, making interception exceptionally difficult.

Analysts have also drawn attention to the design of the missile’s nose cone, which is consistent with a potential capability to carry multiple independently targetable reentry vehicles — known as MIRVs — as well as possible compatibility with hypersonic glide vehicles. Turkey has not officially confirmed either capability.

Speaking at the unveiling, Turkish Defense Minister Yaşar Güler described the Yildirimhan as the most ambitious missile program in the country’s history, and framed the development within Turkey’s broader push for strategic autonomy in defense. “While reaching this point is something to be proud of, evolving technology and diversifying needs necessitate continuous self-renewal,” Güler said, adding that R&D-focused development plays a decisive role in sustainably strengthening the defense industry.

The Yildirimhan’s debut comes as Turkey has been investing heavily in domestic defense technology in recent years, seeking to reduce dependence on foreign suppliers and assert a more prominent geopolitical role in its region. The broader SAHA 2026 fair, which runs through Saturday, is expected to generate significant business. Haluk Gorgun, head of the Turkish Defense Industries Secretariat, told Anadolu Agency on the sidelines of the event that he “expects contracts worth around $8 billion to be signed” this week.