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Turkish Missile Programs

Project J: J-600T Yildirim (Thunderbolt)


Without doubt, Project J is the most speculative and controversial weapon system project of Turkey, causing much stir in both internal and international military circles. This effect can be linked to the strategic nature of the weapon system in focus and the mystery surrounded it for years, coupled with an effective disinformation campaign.
The story of Project J, as well as Project Kasirga, goes back to the first half 1990's, when negotiations for the joint production and technology transfer of M-270 MLRS artillery rocket system were failed. After the shelving of the project, Turkey started to seek other alternatives, mainly focused on full sovereignty over critical technologies in order to establish self sufficient missile and guidance technology capability infrastructure. After signing of a contract for the licensed production of WS-1 under the name of Kasirga in 1997, a similar contract was signed with CPMIEC (Chinese Precision Machinery Import and Export Corporation) for the B-611 SRBM system in late 1998 covering licensed production of a battery of B-611 with more than 200 missiles, for a reported cost of USD 300,000,000.
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An extremely interesting feature of Project J is the associated disinformation campaign conducted throughout the project. J-600T Yildirim was thought to be aredivative of Chines M-7 (CSS-8) surface to surface inertial guided missile which itself was a derivative of HQ-2 SAM system, the CHinese copy of Russian SA-2 Guideline SAM. The main source of this disinformation was an article published in Milliyet newspaper on 14 January 2002. According to this article, The 150km "J" missile, which was produced by the transfer of technology from China was test fired from Sile in 2001. Based on the information provided by "anonymous experts", the article claimed that the missile was very similar to Chinese M-7. The article was supported by a photo of an unknown missile and a drawingof a SA-2 / HQ-2 missile.
For years to come, this article was the main source for claims, analysis and speculations about Project J. The speculations varied widely, ranging from estimates that (although M-7 was an inertial guided missile) Project J incorporated radar, GPS/INS technology to wild guesses about ranges; from 150km to as high as 1,000km. But the truth came to the surface in 2007.

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The J-600T was first revealed to the public on 30 August 2007, during Victory Day parade in Ankara. The TRT (Turkiye Radyo Televizyon Kurumu; Turkish Radio and Television Corporation) commentator announced the system as "Yildirim missile system". During this parade and following two ones in the same year, both launcher and reloading vehicles were shown to the public. Yildirim system was also reported to United Nations Register of Conventional Arms by Turkey in March 2007.

Like Kasirga, Project J from the very start was protected with the highest security measures available. Thus, still few details are known about the project. Even the correct name was not known until very recently. It is now positively known that, from the start, "J" was the code name of the project, which led to unofficial nick-name "Jaguar". The official designation of the missile system is "J-600T" and Yildirim is the late official name of the system. When first appeared, most defence media, such as Greek defence publication ΣΤΡΑΤΗΓΙΚΗ (Stratigiki;Strategy), misidentified the system as "F-600T" hence the code name of the launcher vehicle visible on a plate during the system's first revelation at 30 August Victory Day parade in 2007.



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Yildirim's first public appearance caused great excitement in Greek defence circles as well. Greek Stratigiki magazine is apparently one of those which published the story with some false information mixed with the excitement. Note that the missile system is misidentified as F-600T, the designation of the launcher vehicle. The magazine also falsely classified the missile system as MRBM (Medium Range Ballistic Missile), which in fact falls in SRBM (Short Range Ballistic Missile) category.


J-600T Yildirim is a conventional battlefield missile system providing high mobility, designed to attack high value targets such as enemy air defence installations, C3I centers, logistics and infrastructure facilities as well as providing fire support to friendly artillery by expanding the area of effect.


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TRT Footage showing the very first Yildirim launchers shown to the public. Not visible in the screen capture, there are three T-300 Sakarya MBRLS launcher vehicles in front of the Yildirim formation.


J-600T design is based on B-611 SRBM developed by CASIC (China Aerospace Science and Industry Corporation) as a low cost tactical missile system, with a range up to 250km in improved versions, and as a replacement for the M-11 (CSS-7 and DF-11) missiles in inventory.



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J-600T Yildirim SRBM. The missile seen is a dummy training round hence the yellow stripes. (Photo: Selim Talu)
Yildirim system is composed of two units: J-600T SRBM and F-600T launcher vehicle, which is based on MAN 26.372 6x6 truck. The very same vehicle is also used in T-122 Sakarya and T-300 Kasirga MBRL (Multi Barrel Rocket Launcher) systems, providing advantage in logistics. Each F-600T carries one J-600T one an open rail-type launcher and can be prepared for launch in less than 25 minutes, with the vehicle ready to move again in less than 5 minutes. The missile is loaded on to F-600T by crane from a reloading vehicle, again a MAN 26.372 6x6.



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J-600T Yildirim Reload - Resupply Vehicle (Photo: Selim Talu)


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Reload - Resupply Vehicle (left) at the start of loading process (Photo: Selim Talu)

The missile's flight is controlled by an INS (Inertial Navigation System) which feeds trajectory correction command inputs to the four moving wings at the nozzle section. The trajectory data is load onto the missile's Guidance & Control Unit (GCU) (FCS) on board F-600T before the launch. The FCS in F-600T is also supported by BAIKS (Batarya Atis Idare Komputer Sistemi; Battery Fire Control Computer System) and TOMES (Topcu Meteoroloji Sistemi; Artillery Meteorology System). It is reported that the missile is also able to be upgraded with a GPS/INS GCU.


Manufacturer ROKETSAN
Launcher VehicleF-600T (Based on MAN 26.372 6x6)
Warhead typeTNT+RDX
FuzeProximity
Guidance INS
Range, minimum 80km
Range maximum150km
Diameter 600mm
Length 6.10m
Weight, total 2,100kg
Weight, warhead 480kg
Propellant typeHTPB (Composite)
CEP<150m
Table 14: Technical specifications of the J-600T Yildirim tactical missile system


Each J-600T Yildirim battery consists of one Battery Command & Control Vehicle, 2 Firing Team Command and Control Vehicles, 6 F-600T Launcher Vehicles, 7 Reload - Resupply Vehicles and one Maintenance Vehicle.

It is not exactly known when the deliveries of J-600T started and if still underway. One of the clues on when the deliveries could have started is the writing on the designation plate of F-600T photographed during 30 August 2007 Victory Day Parade. According to the plate, the vehicle was delivered to KKK in 2001, uggesting the system is in service since at least that year. It is reported in Turkish defence media that at least a battery of Yildirim is in service with 58th Artillery Brigade in Polatli, Ankara. The vehicles shown in parades were wearing desert-type camouflage patterns used in armored and mechanized units of KKK deployed in Southern and SouthEastern Anatolia.


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Roketsan is reportedly working on an improved version of J-600T, details of which are highly speculative for the moment. Given that the system was first revealed to the public more than 7 years of its introduction to service, it can be expected that information about this improved version, if there is any, is going to remain secret for some time.


Although there is still much confusion on the subject, CPMIEC officials confirmed in IDEF 2007 that B-611M, the improved version of B-611 was not part of the cooperation program under Project J. Roketsan is reportedly working to improve the performance and design of J-600T, alternatives of which could be sealed pod-launcher box design, improved propellant and increased range, and / or different warhead configurations. Improved or different GCUis also a possibility, though there is minimal -if not zero- information or clue on the subject, hence the top secret nature of the system.
 
@cabatli_53

Bro you said something a while ago like Turkish Iskander missile. (Iskender kebap) :D
Can you elaborate some about that, is it a new version of the j 600 t?
 
ILA 2014: Roketsan - Introducing Precision Strike Weapons for Next Generation Platforms


CIRIT Has Become a Trendsetter in its Class
Still being one of the only combat proven serial production 2,75” laser guided systems in the inventory of two different Armed Forces, the CIRIT missile, produced by Roketsan, is becoming well known amongst international Armed Forces. Its unique features gives the user extensive capabilities, as well as a cost effective solution. Easy integration, long range, high accuracy, insensitive capability, and minimum logistics brings CIRIT forward as a high-end product for helicopter requirements.

CIRIT, designed as the main weapon system of T-129 ATAK Turkish attack helicopter, is being used by the AH-1W COBRA helicopter, AT-802 ARCANGEL Border Patrol Aircraft, and is also integrated on the EC635 Light Combat Helicopter. CIRIT, with its flexible architecture, also has a vehicle mounted weapon station, stationary/mobile weapon system, and naval stabilised platforms. Recently, CIRIT demonstrated full success eliminating a target at the range of 10km, beyond its maximum range.

The deliveries of CIRIT are ongoing as scheduled for both the Turkish Armed Forces and the UAE Armed Forces. Roketsan, in partnership with MBDA Deutschland, is also promoting CIRIT for the EC665 TIGER Combat Helicopter (UH-TIGER) in the inventory of the Bundeswehr.


MILITARY TECHNOLOGY: ILA 2014: Roketsan - Introducing Precision Strike Weapons for Next Generation Platforms

@cabatli_53

Bro you said something a while ago like Turkish Iskander missile. (Iskender kebap) :D
Can you elaborate some about that, is it a new version of the j 600 t?


Bro, Yildirim is a project of 1990's but introduced first time in 2007. Until now, Turkey achieved many things over Yildirim. 300km variant of Yildirim which has more precision guidance is also developed. To make it more precision(300km Iskander equivalent), As far as I know, Roketsan has already been working with China (Not for ballistic missile but guidance to decrease CEP) but Current reached range is around 800-850km and The name of Ballistic Missile in that range developed by Roketsan is "BORA". This range is not only proved by PM but also army personnels who gave information to some sources.

and According to serious analizes, 800km range is the perfect limit which will be most benefical to Turkish army in accordance with threat perception. More longer range is assessed to be useless and waste of source...


Actually, If you ask me, Development of Ballistic missiles itself are a waste of time and sources but It sometimes helps to provide aversiveness enough against countries like Greece. In additions, While Neighbours are getting longer ranges, Locating behind of them will cause some psicological disadvantages even If system itself is useless. Belive me Turkish army think it like that That's why Roketsan is developing 1000-1500km Ground to Ground cruise missile called Gezgin.

800km
range-2.jpg



South
range-1.jpg
 
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ILA 2014: Roketsan - Introducing Precision Strike Weapons for Next Generation Platforms


CIRIT Has Become a Trendsetter in its Class
Still being one of the only combat proven serial production 2,75” laser guided systems in the inventory of two different Armed Forces, the CIRIT missile, produced by Roketsan, is becoming well known amongst international Armed Forces. Its unique features gives the user extensive capabilities, as well as a cost effective solution. Easy integration, long range, high accuracy, insensitive capability, and minimum logistics brings CIRIT forward as a high-end product for helicopter requirements.

CIRIT, designed as the main weapon system of T-129 ATAK Turkish attack helicopter, is being used by the AH-1W COBRA helicopter, AT-802 ARCANGEL Border Patrol Aircraft, and is also integrated on the EC635 Light Combat Helicopter. CIRIT, with its flexible architecture, also has a vehicle mounted weapon station, stationary/mobile weapon system, and naval stabilised platforms. Recently, CIRIT demonstrated full success eliminating a target at the range of 10km, beyond its maximum range.

The deliveries of CIRIT are ongoing as scheduled for both the Turkish Armed Forces and the UAE Armed Forces. Roketsan, in partnership with MBDA Deutschland, is also promoting CIRIT for the EC665 TIGER Combat Helicopter (UH-TIGER) in the inventory of the Bundeswehr.


MILITARY TECHNOLOGY: ILA 2014: Roketsan - Introducing Precision Strike Weapons for Next Generation Platforms




Bro, Yildirim is a project of 1990's but introduced first time in 2007. Until now, Turkey achieved many things over Yildirim. 300km variant of Yildirim which has more precision guidance is also developed. To make it more precision(300km Iskander equivalent), As far as I know, Roketsan has already been working with China (Not for ballistic missile but guidance to decrease CEP) but Current reached range is around 800-850km and The name of Ballistic Missile in that range developed by Roketsan is "BORA". This range is not only proved by PM but also army personnels who gave information to some sources.

and According to serious analizes, 800km range is the perfect limit which will be most benefical to Turkish army in accordance with threat perception. More longer range is assessed to be useless and waste of source...


Actually, If you ask me, Development of Ballistic missiles itself are a waste of time and sources but It sometimes helps to provide aversiveness enough against countries like Greece. In additions, While Neighbours are getting longer ranges, Locating behind of them will cause some psicological disadvantages even If system itself is useless. Belive me Turkish army think it like that That's why Roketsan is developing 1000-1500km Ground to Ground cruise missile called Gezgin.

800km
range-2.jpg



South
range-1.jpg

About the Cirit, the article mentions it flying out to 10km. But with what platform? and Altitude? Reason I ask is because DAGR missile which has shorter range than Cirit, can reach 12km but only at higher altitudes.

It is important to know how Cirit reached 10km, otherwise it's not factual IMO. Also, Cirit rocket motor does not burn for the whole 8km (official max range), rocket motor cuts out way earlier and sores under momentum achieved prior to rocket engine cut-out.

About ballistic missile technology, I think it is important to continue developments in that field. The research conducted can be directly transferred to satellite launch vehicle, plus Turkey needs to start developing rocket engines, using them old chinese rockets isn't going to suffice.

Currently Roketsan is using modified 107mm rocket artillery motors on Mizrak-U, which is fine for land use.

You can see it quite clearly with these comparisons
6.jpg
images
 
About the Cirit, the article mentions it flying out to 10km. But with what platform? and Altitude? Reason I ask is because DAGR missile which has shorter range than Cirit, can reach 12km but only at higher altitudes.

It is important to know how Cirit reached 10km, otherwise it's not factual IMO. Also, Cirit rocket motor does not burn for the whole 8km (official max range), rocket motor cuts out way earlier and sores under momentum achieved prior to rocket engine cut-out.

About ballistic missile technology, I think it is important to continue developments in that field. The research conducted can be directly transferred to satellite launch vehicle, plus Turkey needs to start developing rocket engines, using them old chinese rockets isn't going to suffice.

Currently Roketsan is using modified 107mm rocket artillery motors on Mizrak-U, which is fine for land use.

You can see it quite clearly with these comparisons
6.jpg
images


Bro,

Mizrak-U has two rocket motor. What you see in picture is acceleration motor which delivers its mission to navigation motor after a few seconds of firing. Navigation motor is designed specially for Mizrak-U missile to provide a targetted low speed for LOBL and LOAL capability...
 
Bro,

Mizrak-U has two rocket motor. What you see in picture is acceleration motor which delivers its mission to navigation motor after a few seconds of firing. Navigation motor is designed specially for Mizrak-U missile to provide a targetted low speed for LOBL and LOAL capability...

To be precise, Mizrak-U has 7 rocket motors. 6 on the outer diameter (Like 107mm rocket motor) and 1 in the center, making it a two stage missile.

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PARS 3 LR is latest development in Anti-tank missiles, and uses a single stage engine.

PARS 3 LR - Mizrak-U comparison.
Length: 160 - 175cm
Diameter: 16 - 16cm (Latest developments suggest 16cm to be ideal diameter of warhead, plus rumours suggesting German-Turkish cooperation in warhead development)
Weight: 49 - 38kg
Range: 7 - 8km
 
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Although We see Cirit as only 2.75" semi laser guided missile, APKWS also in the same class with Cirit and its also penetrating the market.

What is interesting with Advanced Precision Kill Weapon System is laser seekers are 4 units and embeded on 4 folded wings. APKWS also made its first sale into Jordan army. and going to be used on CN-235s.







As announced last week, Jordan has formally signed a letter of acceptance for the Advanced Precision Kill Weapon System (APKWS) developed by BAE Systems (Hall 6, Stand A622). The laser-guided rocket (LGR) is being acquired to arm the AC-235 gunships that Jordan’s Special Operations Command has just received. For BAE Systems, the deal represents the first international sale for the system.

APKWS began as a US Army programme to fill the gap between unguided rockets and the Hellfire missile. Subsequently the US Navy took over management, and today it is the only US programme of record for a laser-guided rocket.

More than 3,000 have been built and 400 have been fired, including more than 200 combat launches. During those engagements it has demonstrated a hit rate of greater than 95 per cent, and some of the misses were deliberately induced with the weapon in flight to avoid collateral damage.

BAE Systems developed the APKWS to be a plug-and-play kit to convert a standard 2.75in rocket into a precision weapon. The WGU-59/B guidance kit forms a central section that fits between the existing warhead and motor sections, and requires no aircraft integration. Whereas other LGRs with nose-mounted laser seekers the APKWS has four seekers on the pop-out wings, allowing the existing nose section to be used. This arrangement has other notable benefits: the seekers are protected within the rocket body during the firing from adjacent weapons in the same pod, and the distributed seeker configuration provides an instantaneous 40° field of view for the rocket.

To date, APKWS has been fired from 12 different platforms, including the MQ-8 Fire Scout UAV. It has been tested in a fast-jet environment on the F-16 and F/A- 18, for which minor modifications were required to cater for high-speed launch.

Such modifications are not necessary for slower launch platforms such as the A-10 or AC-235.

Currently, the weapon is in operational service with the US Marine Corps on its Bell UH-1 and AH-1 helicopters, and has achieved initial operating capability with the US Navy’s MH-60S. This will give the helicopters a potent capability against swarming fast inshore attack craft. Last month, the APKWS received an airworthiness release for the US Army’s Apache. If the weapon is bought by the army it would not only bring the programme full circle, but also help open up significant export opportunities for Apache users.

Specifications

  • Diameter: 70 mm
  • Guidance: Semi-active laser homing.
  • CEP: < 1 m
  • Motor: Existing Hydra 70 motors.
  • Warhead: Existing Hydra 70 warheads.
  • Unit cost: ~ $28,500
  • APKWS is a “plug and play,” “point and shoot” weapon, and is fired like the unguided 2.75-inch rocket. The weapon is easily assembled and can be shot with minimal instruction, as if it were an unguided rocket
  • Range max 6km
 
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UAE paİd 196 million dollars for launcher integration and 10000 missiles and follow on orders will probably be cheaper for just missiles.
Cirit which is not a kit with superior warhead and range + battle proven by Turkish Army against PKK costs 20 thousand dollars per missile for UAE.
Roketsans chances are good if it can increase the list of cirit capable platforms...
 
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Although We see Cirit as only 2.75" semi laser guided missile, APKWS also in the same class with Cirit and its also penetrating the market.

Not really, brother. While Cirit is a complete system on its own, APKWS is basically a conversion-kit for unguided 2.75" rockets already in use:
BAE Systems developed the APKWS to be a plug-and-play kit to convert a standard 2.75in rocket into a precision weapon. The WGU-59/B guidance kit forms a central section that fits between the existing warhead and motor sections, and requires no aircraft integration. Whereas other LGRs with nose-mounted laser seekers the APKWS has four seekers on the pop-out wings, allowing the existing nose section to be used. This arrangement has other notable benefits: the seekers are protected within the rocket body during the firing from adjacent weapons in the same pod, and the distributed seeker configuration provides an instantaneous 40° field of view for the rocket.
 
@cabatli_53

From the same page (miltechmag)....

"SOM Setting the Threshold Higher
Roketsan is also introducing another next generation weapon system designed to enhance the air-to-surface warfare capabilities of fighter aircraft. Defined as an autonomous, long range, low observable, all weather, high precision air-to-surface cruise missile, SOM will set the threshold higher among similar systems.
Roketsan’s SOM is designed for the use against heavily defended, anti-access and high value stationary targets, such as surface-to-air-missile (SAM) sites, exposed aircraft, strategic assets, and C2 centres, as well as moving land/surface (ASuW) targets. Under serial production, SOM is already in the inventory of the Turkish Air Force (TAF), integrated and certified on the F-4E/2020 and F-16 Block40 fighter aircraft platforms. Lately, SOM was used in the Military Exercise “Pençe 2013” and reported to have shown great success. Roketsan is in cooperation-discussions with Airbus Defence & Space for the integration of the SOM on theEurofighter TYPHOON platform. The SOM-J, a variant which will be integrated in the internal bay of F-35 JSF will be in service in late 2017, when the TAF will receive its initial platforms. The SOM-J Integration Programme is ongoing in cooperation with Lockheed Martin Aero and Tübitak Sage under contract signed with Turkish Ministry of Defence (TuMOD)."
 
@cabatli_53

From the same page (miltechmag)....

"SOM Setting the Threshold Higher
Roketsan is also introducing another next generation weapon system designed to enhance the air-to-surface warfare capabilities of fighter aircraft. Defined as an autonomous, long range, low observable, all weather, high precision air-to-surface cruise missile, SOM will set the threshold higher among similar systems.
Roketsan’s SOM is designed for the use against heavily defended, anti-access and high value stationary targets, such as surface-to-air-missile (SAM) sites, exposed aircraft, strategic assets, and C2 centres, as well as moving land/surface (ASuW) targets. Under serial production, SOM is already in the inventory of the Turkish Air Force (TAF), integrated and certified on the F-4E/2020 and F-16 Block40 fighter aircraft platforms. Lately, SOM was used in the Military Exercise “Pençe 2013” and reported to have shown great success. Roketsan is in cooperation-discussions with Airbus Defence & Space for the integration of the SOM on theEurofighter TYPHOON platform. The SOM-J, a variant which will be integrated in the internal bay of F-35 JSF will be in service in late 2017, when the TAF will receive its initial platforms. The SOM-J Integration Programme is ongoing in cooperation with Lockheed Martin Aero and Tübitak Sage under contract signed with Turkish Ministry of Defence (TuMOD)."
@Yzd Khalifa @Arabian Legend
 
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