The Turkish military has received the first KÜSS ground-based missile system that uses aircraft missiles with a laser guidance system.

Turkish publication SavunmaSanayiST reported on this.

The system is a launcher for four guided missiles on the chassis of the Toyota Hilux SUV. The vehicle’s roof houses the Aselsan Karakurt optical reconnaissance and laser guidance system.

It is self-sufficient and can independently detect targets on the battlefield, fire, and guide missiles to their target. However, due to the standardized illumination means (STANAG 3733), guidance can be delegated to other assets, such as drones or infantry with the appropriate target illuminator.

Like the American APKWS system, the launcher uses localized 70-mm Turkish-made HYDRA air-launched unguided missiles equipped with a laser guidance system known as CİRİT.

The range of KÜSS’s effective operation against ground targets is not disclosed, but similar European-made systems are capable of hitting targets at a distance of up to 5,000 meters.

Developed by the Turkish company Roketsan, the CİRİT missile is designed to fill the gap between conventional unguided 70mm missiles and heavier anti-tank missiles. It has high accuracy and is capable of countering soft targets and light armored vehicles.

In addition, the company notes the missile’s potential for use as an interceptor against air targets. However, there is no information about the presence of a non-contact fuze in the system.

The munition is adapted for use both from aircraft and ground vehicles and even seaborne platforms equipped with appropriate launchers.

Such a system can provide effective fire support to infantry units, replacing mortars and light artillery. In addition, it is more economically feasible than more complex multi-purpose missile systems.

It is reported that in 2013, Roketsan signed a contract to supply 10,000 such missiles worth $190 million. Based on this data, we can roughly estimate the cost of a missile at $19,000 per unit, which is comparable to the price of about 19 artillery mines.

It should be noted that the Ukrainian Marine Corps already uses a similar APKWS II system based on HMMWV tactical vehicles to engage ground targets.