Gökdoğan is an air-to-air missile system developed by Türkiye with domestic and national capabilities. It was developed within the scope of the Göktuğ Project, carried out by TÜBİTAK SAGE (Defense Industries Research and Development Institute). The aim of the project is to produce short and medium-range, high-precision missile systems needed by the Turkish Air Force using national resources.
Gökdoğan and Bozdoğan Missiles (Defenceturk)
Design and Capabilities
Gökdoğan is a medium-range air-to-air missile system equipped with an active radar guidance system to meet modern air combat needs, possessing Beyond Visual Range (BVR) engagement capability. Maneuverability, target detection, and hit accuracy have been prioritized in the missile's design.
Active Radar Seeker Head
Gökdoğan's most notable feature is its active radar seeker head, which can independently track the target in the final phase of flight. Thanks to this technology, the missile does not require the shooter's radar system to lock onto the target after being fired. This means it can operate on the "fire and forget" principle, without the pilot needing continuous contact with the target. This also allows the pilot to maneuver more quickly against threats and engage secondary targets.
High Maneuverability
Gökdoğan is designed to withstand high G-forces and can effectively change its direction against sudden evasive maneuvers by the target. This provides superiority, especially against advanced fighter jets and high-speed unmanned aerial vehicles. The missile has maneuverability limits comparable to modern aircraft.
Flight Control and Propulsion System
The missile is equipped with an advanced flight control system and a highly efficient solid-fuel propulsion motor. This motor provides Gökdoğan with both high speed and long range. The missile's range is estimated to be around 65+ km, making it highly suitable for beyond-visual-range missions.
Resistance to Electronic Jamming
As radar jamming and deception systems are frequently used in modern warfare environments, Gökdoğan is designed to be resistant to electronic warfare threats. The missile is equipped with anti-jamming algorithms and various electronic counter-countermeasures (ECCM). This aims to neutralize enemy radar jamming systems and ensure secure target tracking.
Tests and Integration
The Gökdoğan missile has successfully passed various ground and flight tests in the 2020s. Firing tests have been conducted from F-16 fighter jets, successfully destroying its targets. It is being developed to work integrated with national aircraft projects.
Gökdoğan Missile Firing Test (Tubitag Sage)
Strategic Importance
Gökdoğan is one of Türkiye's most significant achievements in the field of national air-to-air ammunition. It is particularly aimed at replacing foreign-origin missiles such as the AIM-120 AMRAAM. This contributes to the independent and sustainable operational capability of the Turkish Air Force.
