Ministry of National Defense shared images of the firing tests of L-UMTAS GM and IIR TEMREN tactical ammunition developed by ROKETSAN from the SeaHawk helicopter.
Another remarkable test of the Turkish defense industry's helicopter-based ammunition capability was carried out.
The images shared by the Ministry of National Defense showed the firing of L-UMTAS GM and IIR TEMREN ammunition from the SeaHawk helicopter.
The shootings were carried out in Antalya Beşadalar region between 8-10 September 2026. It was stated that the tests were carried out within the scope of alternative configuration development studies of the Laser Guided Long Range Anti-Tank Extended Range Project (L-UMTAS GM) carried out by ROKETSAN.
In this context, air-ground and air-air firings were carried out with L-UMTAS GM and IIR TEMREN ammunition.
L-UMTAS GM's integration into different platforms is expanding
ROKETSAN's L-UMTAS GM is a missile system developed for long-range anti-tank missions.
According to the company's official technical documents, L-UMTAS GM offers a range of up to 20 kilometers from air platforms and up to 15 kilometers from land platforms. The missile is described as 1.8 meters long, 160 millimeters in diameter and 42 kilograms in weight.
One of the striking features of the system is the different seeker head options.
It is stated that L-UMTAS GM has two different configurations: image processing infrared (IIR) seeker and semi-active laser (YAL) seeker. Additionally, the missile can operate with fire-forget and fire-update capabilities.
This structure allows the ammunition to be used according to different targets and operational scenarios.
Air-to-air mission also tested
One of the striking aspects of the tests in Beşadalar was that not only air-ground but also air-air fires were carried out with the ammunition.
This situation points to studies on the evaluation of tactical munitions such as L-UMTAS GM and IIR TEMREN within the scope of different mission concepts on helicopter platforms.
However, in the statement shared by the Ministry of National Defense, detailed technical data regarding the target type, engagement distance and results of the shootings were not shared.
Current capabilities of L-UMTAS GM
According to ROKETSAN's data, L-UMTAS GM; It can be used against tanks, armored vehicles, fixed and moving targets and various land targets.
The 20-kilometer range of the ammunition announced for air platforms stands out as an important feature that allows the helicopter to engage without approaching the threat. ROKETSAN states that the system can be used against targets beyond the line of sight and supports engagement concepts from behind cover.
In addition to rotary wing aircraft, L-UMTAS GM's platform list also includes tactical wheeled and tracked land vehicles and surface platforms.
Development of the L-UMTAS family continues
L-UMTAS GM is one of the members of ROKETSAN's previously developed UMTAS and L-UMTAS family, developed for longer range and different mission needs.
The classic L-UMTAS, on the other hand, was developed as a laser-guided anti-tank missile, especially for helicopter integration. According to ROKETSAN's data, L-UMTAS's range is 8 kilometers and the system uses a semi-active laser seeker head.
With L-UMTAS GM, the range on air platforms is increased to 20 kilometers.
Why are SeaHawk tests important?
Helicopters used by naval forces, such as SeaHawk, are not limited to anti-submarine warfare or reconnaissance-surveillance missions. Equipping these platforms with different ammunition can create a wider engagement capacity against threats around the ships.
In this respect, the tests on September 8-10 show that the use of munitions developed by ROKETSAN has been expanded with different mission concepts on rotary wing platforms.
In particular, L-UMTAS GM's air platform range of up to 20 kilometers and different guidance options stand out in terms of helicopters being able to perform missions without approaching the target.
