Türkiye Says SİPER Ürün-2 Missile Destroyed a Target Changed in Mid-Flight
Türkiye’s SİPER Ürün-2 long-range air and missile defence system destroyed a target that was changed while its missile was already in flight, ROKETSAN and the Presidency of Defence Industries (SSB) said on Sunday 25 October. ROKETSAN described the test as the first time the system had demonstrated in-flight target change. Neither statement gave the date or location of the firing.
What was announced
SSB President Haluk Görgün said that after the missile was fired at a specific target, it destroyed a new target that was updated while it was airborne. He said about 1,000 subcontractors work on the SİPER programme. ROKETSAN’s post named ASELSAN and TÜBİTAK SAGE as partners and linked the test to Çelik Kubbe (Steel Dome), Türkiye’s layered air defence architecture.
In-flight retargeting depends on a data link between the fire-control system and the missile after launch. It lets operators switch an interceptor to a higher-priority threat, or to a target that has manoeuvred, without firing a second round. The statements did not say what kind of target was used, how far away it was, or which radar and command elements took part.
Where the programme stands
SİPER is developed by an ASELSAN–ROKETSAN partnership with TÜBİTAK SAGE. The Ministry of National Defence said in June 2026 that SİPER Ürün-1 had reached full operational capability after test firings (DefenceTurk). The SSB signed a serial production contract for SİPER-2 on 29 October 2025, and at SAHA 2026 it announced an amendment covering additional Air Force squadrons, batteries and missiles, with deliveries planned between 2027 and 2032, according to Defence Turkey.
Sunday’s announcement concerns a development test. It does not mean that SİPER Ürün-2 is operational: under the published plan, the Air Force is due to receive the system from 2027.
Relevance for Africa and the Middle East
No export contract for SİPER has been announced, and the system is being built first for the Turkish Armed Forces. Our guides to ASELSAN air defence and counter-UAS systems, the SUNGUR air defence missile and which countries use ROKETSAN systems cover what has been sold. For the wider picture, see our overview of Turkish systems in African armed forces.
