Turkey's long-range air and missile defense system SİPER Block-2 successfully demonstrated its ability to change targets during flight for the first time in the test.
Turkey's long-range air and missile defense system SİPER Block-2 successfully demonstrated its ability to change targets during flight in the firing test. Following engagement with the first target and firing of the missile, target information was updated; The missile was directed to the new target and destroyed the target.
Defense Industry President Prof. Dr. In his statement after the test, Haluk Görgün stated that SİPER Block-2 successfully demonstrated its ability to change targets during flight. The development stood out as a new phase in the SİPER program, which aims to strengthen Turkey's long-range air defense capacity.
The highlight of the test was the ability to update target information after the missile was fired. After engaging the first target, the missile was directed in line with the new target information and destroyed the second target.
Within the scope of the shooting, target changing during flight, intermediate stage guidance and terminal stage guidance capabilities were tested. Intermediate stage guidance involves directing the missile as it approaches the target; terminal phase guidance covers the final engagement and interception phase while approaching the target.
Updating target information during flight is important for air defense systems to adapt to changing threat conditions. The ability to direct the missile to a new target in case the target priority or target information changes during engagement is considered a capability that can increase operational flexibility.
In the test, engagement capabilities against targets navigating close to the sea were also evaluated. Detection and tracking of targets flying close to sea level can pose special challenges for air defense systems due to radar line of sight and environmental conditions.
The fact that SİPER Block-2 performed a successful interception by turning to the new target upon updating the target information in the test is important in terms of evaluating the guidance and engagement capabilities of the system. However, the results of the test alone do not reveal the performance of the system against all target types and operational conditions.
SIPER is among the long-range components of the Steel Dome, Turkey's layered air and missile defense architecture. The project is carried out in cooperation with ASELSAN, ROKETSAN and TÜBİTAK SAGE, under the coordination of the Presidency of Defense Industries.
Different versions of the SIPER family are being developed to provide long-range defense against air-breathing targets and certain missile threats. The Block-2 configuration is aimed to operate at longer range and higher altitude compared to the previous version.
The ability to change targets during flight demonstrates that the system has been improved not only in range and altitude performance, but also in its ability to adapt to changing engagement conditions. How this capability will be used together with other sensors, command-control elements and air defense systems within the Steel Dome is important for the overall operational effectiveness of the system.
Defense Industry President Haluk Görgün also announced that approximately 1,000 subcontractor companies took part in the SİPER project. The project involves a broad ecosystem of suppliers and technology development, as well as main contractors.
ASELSAN in the fields of radar, electronics and system integration; ROKETSAN in the field of missiles and missile systems; TÜBİTAK SAGE contributes to the project in defense technologies and related research and development activities.
The successful completion of the in-flight target change test of SİPER Block-2 was recorded as a new capability obtained during this joint development process. Tests and verification activities in the next stages of the system will be decisive in evaluating the performance of the capability in different scenarios.
