Turkey Develops New SOM-M Cruise Missile for KAAN Fighter Jet

Turkey has introduced the SOM-M, a new cruise missile designed specifically for its fifth-generation KAAN fighter jet.

The defense outlet SavunmaSanayiST reported the development.

TÜBİTAK SAGE, the Defense Industries Research and Development Institute, created the missile.

It is the most advanced variant in Turkey’s SOM (Stand-Off Missile) family and is tailored for integration into the KAAN fighter’s internal weapons bay, thereby reducing its radar signature.

The SOM-M is designed to strike both stationary and moving land and sea targets, including military bases and critical infrastructure. It carries a 230-kilogram warhead, weighs about 600 kilograms in total, and is nearly 4 meters long. Its range exceeds 250 kilometers. Turkish defense manufacturer Roketsan will handle the production.

A key feature of the missile is its in-flight retargeting capability, made possible through a built-in communications link. This enables the missile to adjust its trajectory or target mid-flight in response to evolving battlefield conditions.

The SOM program was launched in April 2006 to meet the Turkish Air Force’s need for medium-range precision strike weapons, with TÜBİTAK SAGE serving as the primary contractor.

Several variants of the SOM missile have been developed. The baseline SOM-A is intended for static targets. The SOM-B1 and B2 versions feature reinforced warheads designed to penetrate fortified structures, such as bunkers. The SOM-C is a lighter, multipurpose variant compatible with various aircraft. The SOM-J was developed specifically for the F-35, with a design optimized for internal carriage and low observability.

The SOM-M is the latest addition, designed for use with the KAAN fighter jet. Like the SOM-J, it fits inside the aircraft’s internal weapons bay and can engage moving targets at sea and on land.

Militarnyi previously reported that Indonesia plans to acquire 48 KAAN fighter jets to strengthen its air force.