Aselsan tests Göktan guided munition

Aselsan has completed the first successful flight test of the Göktan guided munition, which brings the company’s Tolun air-to-ground munition into a ground-launched configuration, according to a 21st February press release. 

The test launch was conducted on the 18th of February in Sinop, northern Türkiye with the Tolun launched by a rocket booster provided by DeltaV, a Turkish company specialising in hybrid rocket booster. The munition successfully separated from the booster and glided to its target, striking with a high degree of accuracy, the company states. 

The test launch is in line with Türkiye’s goal to develop platform agnostic precision strike capabilities, according to the press release, which indicates an overarching effort to develop munitions that can be used on land, sea, and air. The Tolun is designed to be used by an F-16, for example, with four munitions carried under each wing on a SADAK-4T quad rack. 

Tech profile: Göktan

Göktan combines the Tolun guided munition with what appears to be a variant of the DeltaV sounding rocket. When used in an air-to-ground role, the Tolun has a range of around 100 km with its GPS and inertial navigation system providing a CEP of less than 10 metres. This means that 50% of the munitions at least would land within 10 metres of their target. It is designed to penetrate up to one metre of reinforced concrete when engaging targets at ranges of 50 km. The warhead is provided by Tübitak SAGE, the country’s state-backed defence science organisation. The munition is in service with the Turkish Air Force.

 DeltaV provides a sound ranging rocket that can carry a payload weighing at least 50 kg with a burn time of 60 seconds and an apogee of 100 km – 300 km. No details of the booster used in the Göktan system nor its actual range and the vehicle that is expected to launch it have been provided, however, the capabilities that DeltaV has made public do indicate that the Göktan should be able to meet the range of the air-launched Tolun. 

Calibre comment

The design of Göktan, utilising the Tolun munition with its reported low collateral damage, indicates that there is a requirement for precise strikes against bunkers or otherwise well-built structures in urban environments. Aselsan is a state enterprise and works closely with the Turkish government and often develops systems based on requirements received directly from the armed forces. 

By Sam Cranny-Evans, published on 27th February 2025.