Image source: topwar.ru
SOM-M
The Turkish company TUBITAK-SAGE has developed a new SOM-M cruise missile designed for the promising national fifth-generation fighter KAAN. Allegedly, domestic technologies were used in its creation.
The missile defense system, located inside the fuselage of an aircraft, is designed to destroy land and sea targets, including moving ones. Among its characteristics are autonomous operation, low visibility, medium range and high accuracy. The data link allows you to control the rocket after its launch, for example, by changing the target or flight route. Information about the homing system of the new KR has not been disclosed at the moment.
The SOM-M belongs to the SOM family of medium-range missiles, which has been developed since 2006 and has been in service since 2011. The new product has a mass of about 600 kg, the weight of the warhead is 230 kg, a length of about 4 meters, and a range of over 250 km.
Image source: topwar.ru
KAAN
The KAAN fighter itself, for which the SOM-M is designed, should continue flight tests this year, after it took off for the first time in 2024. A total of 6 prototypes are planned to be produced during the development process. It should enter service in the 2030s.
Simultaneously with the development of the aircraft, national units for it are being created, designed to subsequently replace foreign products. For example, the domestic TF35000 powerplant will replace the American General Electric F110 engine in 2032.
