Türkiye: Aselsan tests new naval air defense system in live-fire trial

October 7, 2025, by Fatima Bahtić

Defense company Aselsan has carried out a live-fire test of the GÖKSUR air defense system, achieving a major milestone for Türkiye’s naval defense.

As informed, in the test, a locally developed missile successfully intercepted a low-flying target over the sea for the first time. The trial was carried out in Sinop, located in the northern Black Sea region of Türkiye. The test demonstrated the system’s performance as the GÖKSUR IIR missile, equipped with an advanced imaging infrared seeker, successfully struck a sea-skimming target at a range exceeding 11 kilometers, according to the company.

The firing was carried out using Aselsan’s indigenously developed GÖKSUR 100-N vertical launch system, which represents a progress in Türkiye’s missile-launch technology. The missile was guided through GÜDÜ data link during its mid-course phase and switched to autonomous targeting in the final phase, hitting and destroying the target.

Developed by Aselsan with support from TÜBİTAK SAGE, the GÖKSUR family provides point air defense for naval platforms against threats such as low-flying anti-ship missiles, cruise missiles, unmanned aerial vehicles, and combat aircraft.

The system is designed to strengthen shipboard defense architectures and improve protection for naval vessels, it was noted.

“With GÖKSUR, Türkiye has reached a new milestone in its naval defense capability. This success not only strengthens our naval defense and deterrence but also underscores ASELSAN’s commitment to developing indigenous, game-changing systems that ensure the operational superiority of armed forces,” Ahmet Akyol, ASELSAN President & CEO, emphasized the strategic significance of the achievement.