ASELSAN Advances Türkiye’s Naval Defense with GÖKSUR Air Defense System

Historic Achievement in Maritime Warfare

On October 7, 2025, ASELSAN, Türkiye’s preeminent defense contractor, achieved a significant milestone by successfully executing a live-fire test of the GÖKSUR Air Defense System. This operation signifies a pivotal advancement in Türkiye’s naval defense capabilities, exemplified by the unprecedented interception of a sea-skimming target using a domestically devised missile.

Test Overview and Performance Indicators

Conducted in Sinop, situated in the strategic northern Black Sea region, the test showcased the remarkable aptitude of the GÖKSUR system. The GÖKSUR IIR missile, armed with a sophisticated imaging infrared seeker, successfully engaged and destroyed a sea-skimming target from a distance surpassing 11 kilometers.

Key Highlights:

• Launch Platform: Utilized the GÖKSUR 100-N Vertical Launch System (VLS), illustrating Türkiye’s growing proficiency in indigenous missile launch technologies.
• Guidance Methodology: The missile was adeptly directed via ASELSAN’s GÜDÜ data link throughout its mid-course phase, transitioning to an autonomous terminal phase where it achieved a direct hit with remarkable accuracy.

Technological Contributions and Capabilities

The GÖKSUR system, conceived by ASELSAN in collaboration with TÜBİTAK SAGE, is designed to provide high-efficiency air defense against a diverse array of threats, including:

• Sea-skimming anti-ship missiles
• Cruise missiles
• Unmanned aerial systems
• Combat aircraft

By integrating the GÖKSUR into naval platforms, Türkiye is not only modernizing its shipboard missile-defense frameworks but also establishing a robust protective asset that enhances both its national security and the security of allied naval forces.

Strategic Implications

Ahmet Akyol, ASELSAN’s President and CEO, highlighted the transformative impact of this accomplishment. He remarked, “The successful deployment of GÖKSUR marks a new chapter in Türkiye’s maritime defense capabilities. This achievement not only fortifies our national defense posture but also exemplifies ASELSAN’s dedication to creating indigenous systems that enhance the operational superiority of our armed forces.”

The Broader Defense Context

This breakthrough is especially pertinent in the context of evolving maritime threats and geopolitical tensions in the Black Sea region. With increased incidents of naval confrontations, the GÖKSUR system not only bolsters Türkiye’s deterrent capabilities but also positions it as a formidable player in maritime security within NATO and the larger geopolitical landscape.

Conclusion

In essence, ASELSAN’s successful live-fire test of the GÖKSUR Air Defense System is a testament to Türkiye’s growing technological advancement in defense capabilities. The strategic relevance of this achievement extends beyond domestic borders, enhancing the collective security framework for both Türkiye and its allies against emerging threats in the maritime domain.

Through innovations like GÖKSUR, Türkiye is making significant strides towards operational autonomy in defense, underscoring the vital importance of indigenous systems in contemporary military architecture.