Tel Aviv raises concerns over Turkey’s new hypersonic missile as strategic threat to Israel

Middle East Monitor Middle East Monitor

Tayfun, Turkiye's longest-range missile ever is seen after the new test launch near the Rize-Artvin Airport in Rize, Turkiye on May 23, 2023. [Muhittin Sandıkçı - Anadolu Agency]https://www.middleeastmonitor.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/AA-20230523-31211323-31211322-NEW_TEST_LAUNCH_OF_TAYFUN_IN_TURKIYES_RIZE-500x333.jpg" style="margin-bottom: 15px;" width="500" />
Turkish media have reported that Ankara has a new Tayfun Block-4 ballistic missile with an estimated range of about 1,500 kilometres, putting all of Israel within its direct range.

The missile, developed by state-owned defence company Roketsan, is a heavier version weighing 7.2 tonnes and measuring about 10 metres, making it larger than previous versions.

It can manoeuvre during the final stage of flight, making it difficult for air defence systems to intercept, and has an estimated accuracy of less than five metres.

Estimates suggest that its speed exceeds Mach 5.5, marking a significant development that would give Turkey an entirely independent strategic strike capability without requiring US or European approval.

Although the missile’s theoretical range covers Israel, Israeli military […]

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