Turkiye's Roketsan makes pioneering launch of cruise missile from Akinci drone
A Roketsan Çakir mini-cruise missile was fired from an Akinci UAV at the Sinop test range on 12 May. (Photo: SSB)
The firing of a Roketsan Çakir weapon from an Akinci platform is believed to be the first instance of a cruise missile being launched from a UAV.
On May 12, Turkish missile manufacturer Roketsan fired a Çakir mini-cruise missile from an Akinci UAV at the Sinop test range.
The head of Turkiye's Defence Industry Agency (SSB), Ismail Demir, was first to announce the test by posting a video, but neither the company nor the SSB have disclosed details of the trial, such as the target type or range.
The Akinci was flying at an altitude of nearly 23,000ft when the missile was launched.
Demir emphasised in a tweet that the missile was 'fired with an indigenous engine with all critical components and hit the target with pinpoint accuracy'.
The test is also believed
Already have an account? Log in
Want to keep reading this article?
More from Air Warfare
-
![World Defense Show 2026: L3Harris to achieve full-rate production of Viper Shield soon]()
World Defense Show 2026: L3Harris to achieve full-rate production of Viper Shield soon
L3Harris has completed the production candidate software load for its Viper Shield airborne electronic warfare system and is conducting sea trials with its VAMPIRE counter-drone system.
-
![Singapore Airshow: Red Cat ramps up portfolio development amid “key” APAC opportunities]()
Singapore Airshow: Red Cat ramps up portfolio development amid “key” APAC opportunities
In the wake of its 1,842% year-on-year revenue increase in Q4 2025, Red Cat sees mass opportunities in the Asia-Pacific region as the company eyes an ongoing production increase and market growth.
-
![India confronts widening military helicopter gap as border demands intensify]()
India confronts widening military helicopter gap as border demands intensify
India’s major helicopter programmes are under the spotlight as the country turns to global partners to replace legacy helicopters with growing urgency.
