Turkiye's indigenously developed Atmaca anti-ship cruise missile has achieved a significant milestone by successfully completing its first underwater firing test. The groundbreaking test, which was announced on Wednesday by Haluk Gorgun, the head of the Presidency of Defense Industries (SSB), marks a leap in Turkiye's defense capabilities, according to Daily Sabah.
In a statement shared on social media platform X, Gorgun hailed the successful test, saying, “Atmaca, the steel sword of the Blue Homeland, will now hit its target from under the sea.” He went on to emphasize the rarity of this achievement, stating, “We have confirmed the underwater guided missile firing capability, which is possessed by only a few countries in the world, with today's Atmaca firing test.”
The missile was launched from the TCG Preveze submarine, and the firing was met with success, solidifying Turkiye's position as one of the few nations capable of such advanced underwater missile launches. The National Defense Ministry shared a video and a statement showing the momentous event.
Atmaca, designed between 2009 and 2018 by Turkish defense giant Roketsan, entered the Turkish army's inventory in 2021. The missile, primarily designed as a high-precision anti-ship weapon for surface warfare, has now gained the critical capability to be launched from submarines. This addition strengthens the missile’s versatility, allowing it to be deployed not just from surface vessels like fast patrol boats, frigates, and corvettes but also from beneath the waves, a key feature for strategic naval operations.
Gorgun expressed gratitude towards the Turkish Naval Forces Command, Roketsan engineers, technicians, and various subcontractors who contributed to the success. He further affirmed the Turkish defense industry's ongoing progress towards achieving full independence in land, air, and sea defense capabilities. With this underwater firing test, Turkiye has made a significant stride in solidifying its self-reliance in modern defense technology.
Bd-pratidin English/ Jisan
