Turkey Launches Production of SOM-J Cruise Missiles

The Turkish SOM-J air-launched cruise missile, developed with the F-35 in mind, has successfully completed flight tests and entered mass production.

SavunmaSanayiST reported this news.

During the latest test, the missile, equipped with a warhead, was launched from an F-16 fighter jet and successfully struck a surface target at sea.

Compared with the SOM cruise missile already in service, the SOM-J is more compact. A key feature is its design compatibility with the internal weapons bays of F-35 fighters that Turkey had planned to acquire.

“Our national SOM-J cruise missile, developed by TÜBİTAK SAGE, hit the target with high accuracy during the latest tests with a warhead. Designed to perform critical strike missions with its low-altitude flight capability and high maneuverability, this missile will become an important force multiplier with its high accuracy and low observability,” Minister of Industry and Technology Mehmet Fatih Kacır shared.

The SOM-J is planned to be integrated, among other platforms, into Turkey’s KAAN fighter jet and the KIZILELMA reconnaissance and strike UAV. According to the Minister, “the integration process is continuing at a high pace.”

Speaking about the missile’s characteristics, he noted that the SOM-J features low observability, high maneuverability, post-launch control and network-centric capabilities.

The missile has a stated range of up to 275 km and is equipped with GPS, INS and TRN navigation systems, an infrared seeker and an automatic target recognition system.

It carries a 140 kg penetrating warhead, enabling it to be used against both ground and surface targets.

The SOM program was launched in April 2006 to meet the Turkish Air Force’s requirement for medium-range precision weapons.

In 2012, Turkey completed testing of the first version of the SOM cruise missile. The system exists in several versions. The baseline SOM-A was designed to strike fixed targets as a conventional cruise missile.

The SOM-B1 and SOM-B2 versions, equipped with reinforced warheads, are capable of penetrating bunkers and other fortified targets. The SOM-C version is lighter and more versatile, allowing launch from various aircraft types.

The SOM-M version was developed specifically for the KAAN fighter jet. It is designed for internal carriage, carries a 230 kg warhead and has a range of more than 250 km.