What Is Behind Turkey’s Pursuit Of An ICBM?

Key Points:

• Turkey unveiled a model of a new intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM) named Yildirimhan, with a planned range of 6,000 kilometers, marking a significant expansion of its missile capabilities beyond previous short- and medium-range systems.
• The Yildirimhan is a road-mobile, liquid-fueled missile powered by four rocket engines with a single stage, capable of carrying a large 3,000-kilogram warhead, though its fueling requirements may reduce launch readiness and increase vulnerability.
• Turkey has been developing longer-range missile systems, including the Tayfun Block IV SRBM and the Cenk MRBM, reflecting strategic ambitions to enhance deterrence against regional threats and extend its strike reach across the Middle East and beyond.
• While Turkey is a member of the Missile Technology Control Regime (MTCR), which restricts missile exports, the Yildirimhan is likely intended for domestic use to bolster conventional deterrence, with no current indication of nuclear warhead development.
• The unveiling of the Yildirimhan underscores Turkey’s ongoing commitment to advancing its indigenous defense industry and conventional deep-strike capabilities as part of its broader strategic objectives.