Turkey unveils Yildirimhan ballistic missile at SAHA Expo 2026

Turkey showcased its new Yildirimhan intercontinental ballistic missile at the SAHA Expo 2026 in Istanbul, held from May 5 to May 9. According to Turkish reports, the missile has an estimated range of 6,000 kilometers, four engines, a length of 18 meters, and a maximum speed between Mach 9 and Mach 25. The Turkish Ministry of National Defense stated that the project uses domestically produced liquid fuel and aims to enhance national strategic deterrence. Officials suggested the system could be operational by 2036, though the current status of the program remains a subject of domestic debate. While state-aligned media frames the missile as a significant shift in regional power dynamics, other analysts and industry observers have expressed skepticism regarding the maturity of the technology and the lack of clarity on whether the display represents a prototype or an operational system. Some critics warned that such high-profile claims could risk the credibility of the national defense industry. The international community has noted the presentation due to the missile's potential to cover vast regions across Europe, the Middle East, and Asia.