Turkey Accelerates Development of Indigenous Meteor Missile Program

Turkey’s defense industry is making strides in developing a homegrown Meteor missile aimed at strengthening the nation’s air defense systems. This key initiative is being driven under the directives of the Ministry of National Defense and coordinated by the Presidency of Defense Industries (SSB).

The indigenous Meteor missile is designed as a long-range, highly accurate air defense weapon capable of detecting and neutralizing high-altitude threats. The missile is planned to be integrated with various platforms within the Turkish Armed Forces’ inventory, serving as a deterrent against modern aerial threats.

Leading Turkish defense companies such as ASELSAN, ROKETSAN, and TAI/TUSAŞ are actively involved in the project, developing advanced propulsion systems, guidance, and targeting technologies domestically. Its full compatibility with national radar and command-control systems is also a crucial aspect of the development.

Experts emphasize that this indigenous missile will mark a strategic milestone in expanding Turkey’s regional air defense capabilities. Beyond strengthening national defense autonomy, the Meteor missile is expected to contribute positively to Turkey’s defense export portfolio.

Following further development stages—including ammunition testing and field integration—the project aims to move into serial production. This will establish Turkey as a producer of world-class, indigenous air defense missile technology.