IRIA News

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Turkish naval forces conducted the first successful test launch of the Göksur Vertical Launch System (VLS) from Turkish Naval Forces’ Burak-class corvette, TCG Beykoz, off the coast of Sinop in northern Turkiye. This live-fire test represents marks a pivotal advancement in the country’s layered air defense system.

Turkish defense company Aselsan announced the successful first vertical launch test of its Göksur naval point defense missile system. The test was conducted on February 16, 2025. This system aims to bolster Turkey’s naval defense by providing robust protection against a wide range of potential threats.

Developed jointly by Aselsan, Turkey’s leading defense company, and Tübitak Sage, the Göksur system is a critical component of Turkey’s multi-layered air defense network known as Steel Dome. The system is designed to protect naval assets from a range of airborne threats, including anti-ship and cruise missiles, armed and unarmed aerial vehicles (UAVs), fighter jets, and helicopters.

The successful test launch reinforces Turkey’s commitment to strengthening its naval security. Aselsan emphasized the significance of this milestone in a recent press release:

“Aselsan, Turkey’s leading defense company, conducted the first test launch of GOKSUR Vertical Launch System (VLS) successfully which marks a pivotal advancement in Turkey’s defense capabilities, reinforcing the nation’s commitment to safeguarding its naval domain,” the statement said.

GOKSUR was first introduced to the international defense community at the EURONAVAL 2024 exhibition in Paris last November. Its modular design, which allows for easy integration into various frigates and corvettes, attracted significant attention for its advanced features and operational flexibility.

Key features and capabilities of Göksur Vertical Launch System

GOKSUR is a state-of-the-art system that brings a host of advanced technological capabilities to the Turkish Navy. It is designed to provide 360-degree threat elimination, ensuring comprehensive protection against modern airborne threats.

Some of its key features include:

• Next-generation infrared seeker-guided munitions for precision targeting
• High effectiveness against low-flying threats, such as cruise missiles
• Multi-engagement capability, allowing simultaneous targeting of multiple threats
• AI-supported fire control system for rapid and accurate response
• Modular architecture, enabling integration with different naval platforms
• Data link capabilities, providing uplink and downlink mid-course guidance for improved missile accuracy.

GÖKSUR Hava Savunma Sistemimizin deniz ortamındaki ilk atışı başarıyla gerçekleşti. 🚀#ÇELİKKUBBE
.
➡️15 km menzil,
➡️Dikey atış,
➡️IIR füze,
➡️Satha yakın uçan hedeflere karşı yüksek etkinlik.
.@SavunmaSanayii #ASELSAN🤝 @SageTubitak #IDEX2025 #NAVDEX2025 @tcsavunma… pic.twitter.com/zYG4LxM1QI

— ASELSAN (@aselsan) February 17, 2025

These features significantly enhance Turkey’s ability to defend its maritime interests and ensure the safety of its naval assets in an increasingly complex threat environment.

Multiple Configurations for Operational Flexibility

GOKSUR comes in several configurations, each tailored for different operational needs. These include:

• GOKSUR 100-N VLS Vertical Launch System: The standard version designed for integration into various naval platforms.
• GOKSUR 100-N/StA: A turret configuration with the ability to operate independently.
• GOKSUR 100-N (20-missile configuration): Equipped with the GOKSUR IIR missile, offering expanded missile capacity for extended engagements.

The GOKSUR IIR missile, integrated into the system, is a high-performance interceptor with bi-directional data link communication, allowing real-time guidance and target updates.

With the successful testing of GOKSUR, Turkiye continues to strengthen its domestic defense industry and reduce reliance on foreign defense systems. The system’s adaptability, precision, and AI-enhanced capabilities position it as a formidable asset for the Turkish Navy, reinforcing the country’s defense infrastructure against evolving threats.

As Turkey continues to expand its naval capabilities, the GOKSUR VLS stands as a testament to the country’s commitment to developing cutting-edge military technology, ensuring its security in the increasingly contested maritime domain.

Turkiye successfully tests GÖKTAN ground launch system

On February 20, Turkish defense company Aselsan successfully conducted live-fire testing for its GOKTAN system, which enables the air-launched TOLUN munition to be fired from ground platforms. This milestone represents a significant step forward in Türkiye’s defense capabilities. Haluk Gorgun, the Secretary of the Secretariat of Defense Industry, said that the TOLUN munition accurately reached its target after separating from the DeltaV rocket and deploying its fins, demonstrating its precision and effectiveness.

The successful completion of the test marks a major advancement, as the TOLUN munition, previously launched from air platforms, has now gained the ability to strike from the ground. Gorgun expressed confidence that the GOKTAN system would make a substantial impact on the battlefield, adding that it would further strengthen the country’s defense industry. Aselsan’s achievement highlights the continued success and innovation of Turkey’s defense sector, with further advancements expected in the future.

ASELSAN #GÖKTAN Projesi atışlı testi
⬇️
✅TOLUN’a roket motoru entegre edilerek karadan karaya vuruş kabiliyeti,
✅Komuta Kontrol – Atış Kontrol yazılım ve donanımları ile görev planlama ve atış,
✅DeltaV roketinden ayrılma sonrası kanatlarını açarak uzun menzildeki hedefe hassas… pic.twitter.com/xW6GBHJRQb

— ASELSAN (@aselsan) February 20, 2025