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
Our news & analysis is now part of Defence Insight®
A Basic-level or higher Defence Insight subscription is now required to view this content.
More from Air Warfare
-
![Rapid APKWS integration sparks “strong” demand from Typhoon customers]()
Rapid APKWS integration sparks “strong” demand from Typhoon customers
The recent operational use and success of the APKWS laser-guidance kit on the UK RAF's Typhoons has driven demand from other Eurofighter customers for integration of the system on their own combat aircraft fleet, according to BAE Systems.
-
![Eurosatory 2026: MBDA and Thales look to civilian industry for loitering munition scale-up]()
Eurosatory 2026: MBDA and Thales look to civilian industry for loitering munition scale-up
Thales and MBDA have taken steps to ensure the mass production of their respective loitering munition offerings at Eurosatoy, teaming with civilian manufacturers. These moves come amid France’s push towards sovereign drone production and continued market expansion.
-
![Only 25% of the US Pentagon’s F-35 fleet has been fully mission capable, GAO says]()
Only 25% of the US Pentagon’s F-35 fleet has been fully mission capable, GAO says
The fighter jet remains a combat necessity, but sustainment challenges continue to limit its readiness. In the meantime, the US Air Force seeks billions in funding to improve the F-35's availability.
