Turkey Showcases New Hypersonic Weapon Amid Standoff With Israel Over Syria

Turkey has unveiled a range of advanced ballistic missiles and other ordnance at a national arms fair, amid rising regional tensions following the recent Israel-Iran conflict. The Turkish defense manufacturer Roketsan showcased several new systems, including air-to-air missiles, ballistic missiles, and a hypersonic weapon. The latest variant of the Tayfun-type ballistic missile, known as the Tayfun Block 4, has generated significant media attention due to its hypersonic capabilities. The missile has a range of 1,000 kilometers and weighs 7.2 tonnes. The unveiling of the Tayfun Block 4 comes as Iran's use of ballistic and hypersonic missiles against Israel remains under close scrutiny across the region. Turkey's President Recep Tayyip Erdogan has announced plans to strengthen the country's deterrence by increasing its stockpile of medium- and long-range missiles. Roketsan also introduced the 300 ER air-launched missile, capable of striking targets over 500 kilometers away, and the Simsek-2 satellite launch vehicle, which can carry a 1.5-tonne payload to an orbit above 700 kilometers. Additionally, Turkey's Ministry of Defense R&D division highlighted its latest generation of penetrating munitions, known as NEB, which has undergone successful firing tests against concrete blocks and rocky areas. The unveiling of these advanced weapons has significant implications for regional security and deterrence.