Turkey has officially entered the hypersonic race with the unveiling of the Tayfun Block-4, a hypersonic ballistic missile built for high maneuverability and increased survivability against modern aerial threats.
The weapon is an upgraded version of the Tayfun short-range ballistic missile, which was first tested in 2022.
According to local media, the Tayfun Block-4 measures 21 feet (6.5 meters), weighs about 2.5 tons (2,300 kilograms), and is powered by solid composite propellant.
It carries a multi-purpose warhead capable of neutralizing enemy air defense systems, command centers, and critical infrastructure from up to 800 kilometers (500 miles) away.
Launched from a mobile military vehicle, the hypersonic missile uses satellite guidance to achieve a reported strike accuracy of 5 to 10 meters (16 to 33 feet) while reaching Mach 5, or five times the speed of sound.
The weapon is built to withstand electronic warfare and remains operational in all weather conditions, day or night.
Turkey plans to develop future variants with ranges exceeding 1,000 kilometers (620 miles).
IDEF 2025 Debut
The Tayfun Block-4 made its public debut at the opening of the 17th International Defense Industry Fair (IDEF), Turkey’s largest defense exhibition held in Istanbul.
More than 900 Turkish and 400 foreign defense companies are participating, with official delegations from over 100 countries in attendance.
The unveiling drew high-level interest from the Turkish land and naval forces, the Defense Industries Presidency (SSB), and executives from Roketsan, the missile’s developer.
