Over the past few years, Turkey has been developing a new range of missiles and guided munitions locally through its military-industrial complex, aiming to increase its autonomy and technological independence. The most recent milestone in these efforts was achieved with the confirmation of the first launch of the new SOM-J anti-ship missile, developed by Roketsan, from a Turkish Air Force F-16 fighter jet, a fact revealed through a video published on social media.
Designated as SOM-J, this missile is one of the most important developments by the Turkish company Roketsan and the TÜBİTAK Defense Industries Research and Development Institute, aimed at equipping Turkish Air Force fighters with a new anti-ship capability. First revealed in 2018 through publications and presentations as a test article, it has been in development ever since, undergoing various tests and evaluations. These include flight tests from F-16 fighters, as well as separation tests simulating launch operations.
However, many specific details of the development remain unknown, as they are closely guarded by the companies and research organizations involved. It can only be assumed, following trends in this class of missiles, that the SOM-J features GPS and INS navigation systems, along with a datalink system for constant real-time target updates. Additionally, its stated range has not been officially disclosed, though Turkish authorities have emphasized that it will be long-range.
Beyond the limited official data, March 21 marked one of the program’s most significant milestones with the first launch of a test missile against a surface target. Thanks to the viral video shared on social media by Turkey’s Minister of Defense Industry, T.C. Sanayi ve Teknoloji Bakanı, some details of the test were revealed.
First, the launch platform was an F-16 Block 40 fighter assigned to the Turkish Air Force’s 401st Test Squadron, which was responsible for firing the SOM-J missile. The missile, clearly marked as a test and evaluation unit, featured the characteristic orange color and test markings. Additionally, during the test, the launch aircraft was escorted by another twin-seat F-16.
Once the target’s coordinates and information were acquired—though the distance from the aircraft to the target was not disclosed—this data was loaded into the SOM-J ATM missile through the Integrated Control Panel (ICP) installed on Turkish F-16s. This system allows for the use of the locally developed UBAS software for deploying national weaponry.
Following the launch and confirmation of the missile’s successful separation from the combat aircraft, the SOM-J deployed two small fins designed to enhance maneuverability. The sequence also revealed other characteristics of the anti-ship missile, such as the presence of an air-breathing propulsion system.
Subsequently, the missile performed an evasive maneuver, captured by the electro-optical systems of the F-16s, before striking a target at sea. No explosion was visible in the footage, but it is likely that the SOM-J can be equipped with various warhead types, such as high-explosive or fragmentation.
This latest milestone achieved by Turkey demonstrates the country’s increasing sophistication in developing new weaponry. Furthermore, it is likely that, much like the ATMACA anti-ship missile—designed for naval use and intended to replace U.S.-made Harpoon missiles—the SOM-J could eventually replace the AGM-84K-1 SLAM-ER missiles currently equipping the Turkish Air Force’s F-16s.
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