Turkey Deploys Supersonic Ballistic Missile on Drones, Threatening Regional Balance

Turkish defense company ROKETSAN has delivered its first batch of İHA-230 supersonic air-launched ballistic missiles to the Turkish Armed Forces. The missile has a range of 200 kilometers and is designed for use on unmanned aerial vehicles. Israeli media outlet Maariv reported that the weapon poses a significant threat to Israel, noting that ROKETSAN is already developing a next-generation version with an expected range of 500 kilometers. The development marks a notable advancement in Turkey's indigenous defense capabilities and regional power projection.

Global Impact

The İHA-230's entry into service shifts the regional military balance, particularly in the Aegean and Eastern Mediterranean, where Turkey and Greece have overlapping claims. It also complicates Israel's air defense calculus, as the missile's speed and range challenge existing Iron Dome and David's Sling systems.