The Turkish Navy has successfully conducted the first live fire test of its indigenous naval point defense missile system, Göksur. This test, which took place on February 16, 2025, was carried out off the coast of Sinop in northern Turkey, from the TCG BEYKOZ vessel. The success of this launch marks a milestone in Turkey’s ongoing efforts to enhance its naval defense capabilities and strengthen the nation’s commitment to safeguarding its maritime assets.
Developed by Aselsan, Turkey’s leading defense company, Göksur is a vital component of the country’s multi-layered air defense network, Steel Dome. The system is designed to provide robust protection for naval assets against a wide range of airborne threats. These include anti-ship missiles, cruise missiles, both armed and unarmed aerial vehicles, as well as fighter jets and helicopters. With this advanced defense system, Turkey aims to significantly enhance its naval defense posture, ensuring it can effectively counter threats from both near and long distances.
The Göksur missile system is the result of a collaborative effort between Aselsan and Tûbitak Sage. At the heart of the system lies the Göksur IIR missile, which is equipped with a high-performance infrared seeker and features bidirectional data link communication. These advanced technologies enable the missile to achieve superior operational capabilities, such as enhanced target detection and tracking, even in complex and cluttered environments. The modular design of the missile allows for easy integration onto various naval platforms, including frigates and corvettes, making it a versatile addition to Turkey’s naval defense arsenal. This adaptability was prominently showcased at the Euronaval 2024 exhibition in Paris, where Göksur garnered significant attention for its cutting-edge features.