Turkey Unveils Yildirimhan: First ICBM with 6000 km Range

• •Turkey unveiled its first ICBM, the Yildirimhan, with a 6,000 km range.
• •The missile achieves speeds of Mach 9 to Mach 25 and uses liquid-fuel propulsion.
• •This development enhances Turkey's military capabilities and impacts NATO's strategic landscape.

On May 5, 2026, Turkey unveiled its first intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM), the Yildirimhan, at the SAHA 2026 defense exhibition in Istanbul. Developed by the Ministry of National Defense's R&D center, this missile boasts a range of 6,000 kilometers, capable of reaching targets across Europe, Asia, and Africa. The Yildirimhan features four liquid-fuel rocket engines and operates on nitrogen tetroxide propellant, achieving speeds between Mach 9 and Mach 25. This development marks a significant enhancement in Turkey's military capabilities and positions it among the few nations with ICBM technology. Defense Minister Yaşar Güler emphasized the importance of R&D in strengthening Turkey's defense industry. The missile's unveiling has implications for NATO, as it introduces a new strategic variable in the region. No operational details were disclosed, but the missile's capabilities suggest a shift in Turkey's defense posture.