On July 22, 2025, Turkey unveiled its most advanced and powerful hypersonic ballistic missile, the Typhoon Block-4, marking its debut at the IDEF 2025 Defense Fair in Istanbul. This groundbreaking missile, developed by Turkey's defense giant ROKETSAN, has now entered serial production. With a staggering range of 800 km and a speed exceeding 5.5 times the speed of sound, Typhoon Block-4 not only elevates Turkey's military capabilities but significantly impacts regional and global power dynamics.
What is Typhoon Block-4?
The Typhoon Block-4 is the hypersonic version of Turkey's longest-range short-range ballistic missile (SRBM). Its legendary speed and precision render it virtually unstoppable. Some of its remarkable features include...
Weight: 7200 KG.
Length: 10 meters.
Diameter: 938 millimeters.
Speed: Approximately 6,600 km/h.
Accuracy: Can strike targets within a 5-meter radius.
Range: 800 kilometers, reaching areas from Istanbul to parts of Saudi Arabia, Israel, or Ukraine.
Warhead: Multi-purpose warhead capable of destroying air defense systems, command centers, military hangars, and other strategic military facilities.
This missile is launched via a mobile launcher, allowing it to be easily repositioned. Its hypersonic speed and nimbleness in maneuvers enable it to evade enemy air defense systems effectively.
Genesis of Typhoon
The first version of the Typhoon missile emerged in 2022, based on the Bora missile platform co-developed by Turkey and China. ROKETSAN developed it stealthily, with its initial test conducted from Rize-Artvin Airport in October 2022. During the test, the missile impressively struck a target 561 kilometers away at sea with 5-meter accuracy.
2023 - Production Commencement:
Following a second test in May 2023, serial production of the Typhoon commenced.
2025: Hypersonic Leap:
On February 3, 2025, the third test marked the missile achieving hypersonic speed, striking a target 561 kilometers distant.
Block-4 Debut:
The IDEF 2025 saw the grand unveiling of Typhoon Block-4 on July 22, 2025.
ROKETSAN CEO Murat Ikinci affirmed Typhoon Block-4 as a record-setting feat for Turkey's defense sector. The missile can obliterate crucial enemy installations from afar.
IDEF 2025: Turkey's Display
Besides Typhoon Block-4, the International Defense Industry Fair (IDEF) 2025 featured five other advanced weapons...
Gokbora Missile: An air-to-air missile with a range exceeding 100 nautical miles.
Eren: A high-speed loitering munition with a 100 km range, deployable from drones, helicopters, or ships.
Aqata: Submarine-launched version of the Atmaca anti-ship missile.
300 Er: An air-launched ballistic missile with a 500 km range.
Simsek-2: A space launch vehicle capable of transporting a 1500 kg satellite to an altitude of 700 km.
The fair witnessed participation from 900 domestic and 400 foreign defense companies from 44 countries, including industry giants like Lockheed Martin, Airbus, and BAE Systems.
Boosting Turkey's Defense Independence
Turkey has been steadfastly progressing towards defense self-sufficiency in recent years.
ROKETSAN:
Founded in 1988, this company underpins Turkey's missile technology, responsible for innovations like the Bora, Atmaca, Hisar, and now Typhoon missiles.
Transition from Foreign Dependency:
Turkey previously sourced weapons from the US and Europe. It sought Chinese assistance during the development of the Yildirim missile (150 km range) in the 1990s and the Bora missile (300 km range) in the 2000s.
Self-Reliance:
Today, Turkey independently produces its missiles, drones (like Baykar), and radar systems (like Aselsan).
From Steel Dome to Siper:
Turkey advances its Steel Dome project with systems like Siper Block-2 (150 km range) and Levent, paralleling India's Akash system.
Regional and Global Impact
The advent of Typhoon Block-4 has substantial repercussions for Turkey's military prowess and strategic positioning...
Tensions with Greece: The initial test of Typhoon in 2022 invoked anxiety in Greece. President Erdogan’s mention of Typhoon incites concern in Greece, which perceives it as a security threat.
Concerns for Israel: Israeli opposition leader Yair Lapid expressed apprehension that Turkey's expanding missile and naval strength could destabilize regional balance.
NATO and the West: Although part of NATO, Turkey's growing self-reliance and camaraderie with Russia-China raise concerns among Western nations.
Allies Pakistan and Azerbaijan: These countries, close allies of Turkey, stand as potential buyers for its weaponry.
Social Media Buzz:
On X, user reactions varied. Some celebrated Turkey's might, while others feared elevated regional tensions. One user highlighted Typhoon Block-4 as Turkey’s bid to showcase strength to NATO and Western nations.
Implications for India
India is also researching hypersonic missiles (like ET-LDHCM, Mack 8 speed). The Typhoon Block-4 doesn't pose a direct threat to India, but...
Alliance with Pakistan: Turkey's historical alliance with Pakistan might lead to technology sharing, which could concern India.
Lesson in Self-Reliance: Turkey's 20-year journey to reduce foreign dependency is an inspiration. India, under
