Turkey finalizes 200 km range missile tests

Meltem Özgenç ANKARA / Hürriyet

Turkey can make 500 km-range SOM missiles, says Industry Minister Ergün. AA photo

Tests of SOM missiles with a range of 200 km have been completed and they are ready for mass production, the science, industry and technology minister has said. The missiles are part of the Turkish army inventory.

Nihat Ergün said some 2,500 engineers are conducting research and development studies on defense-related fields in the Scientific and Technical Research Council of Turkey (TÜBİTAK). Now Turkey has the means to make missiles with a range of 500 kilometers, he noted.

The SOM missile can be fired from aircraft, land and sea, he said.

“The missiles navigate using Global Positioning System satellites and land maps. Tests have been completed. The project has been completely developed by TÜBİTAK. SOMs are in the mass production phase. Turkey has research and development potential in such fields,” he said.