Turkey’s leading drone manufacturer, Baykar, recently announced the successful testing of its Akinci combat drone, marking a significant milestone in unmanned warfare capabilities. During the test, the Akinci UAV launched two İHA-230 supersonic ballistic missiles, hitting a target 155 kilometers away with impressive precision.
This achievement not only showcases the expanded potential for drones in executing precision strike operations but also highlights Turkey’s growing influence in advanced military technology.
The İHA-230 missile, also domestically produced by Turkish defense company Roketsan, was designed specifically for air-to-surface tactical applications by drones. Open-source information indicates that the İHA-230 has an effective range of 20 to 150 kilometers, enabling it to strike targets from a distance that keeps it beyond the reach of enemy air defense systems. This range positions the missile as a valuable asset for precision attacks that can significantly reduce exposure to adversarial anti-air measures, making it a strategic addition to Turkey’s UAV capabilities.
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Baykar reports that the Akinci UAV is currently the only drone capable of launching a missile system with a range of up to 150 kilometers. This capability places Turkey among the select group of nations able to deploy drones for launching ballistic missiles over considerable distances, highlighting a significant advancement in its long-range strike capabilities via unmanned aerial systems.
Recent modifications to the İHA-230 missile have aimed to enhance its performance. The manufacturer has made adjustments to the tail section to improve aerodynamics, while updates to the forward control surfaces have boosted the missile’s overall stabilization. These changes are expected to refine its tactical and technical capabilities, resulting in greater accuracy and reliability during operations.
The capabilities of the İHA-230 missile could grant Turkey a strategic edge in a range of scenarios, from counter-terrorism efforts to conventional combat operations, particularly in regions where maintaining distance from enemy defenses is critical. The missile’s ability to strike targets without breaching enemy airspace plays a crucial role in preserving the survivability of both drones and other assets in challenging environments.
Source: defence-blog
