UAV-122

The integration of high-precision munition systems with unmanned aerial vehicles has become a defining factor in the transformation of modern warfare doctrines. Within this context, the İHA-122 Air-to-Ground Ballistic Supersonic Missile, developed by ROKETSAN, is one of the important examples demonstrating the current state of Türkiye’s domestic defense industry capabilities. This missile system, which has successfully engaged targets during firing tests conducted with both the Bayraktar AKINCI TİHA and the Bayraktar TB3 SİHA, stands out for its inter-platform coordination, targeting capability, and supersonic engagement creation capacity.

İHA-122

İHA-122 is a munition system developed by ROKETSAN in line with the air-to-ground ballistic supersonic missile concept. The missile is notable for its structure capable of sustained supersonic flight and its ballistic flight profile. Designed for high fast target engagement, this system system, after being released from its aerial carrier, follows a ballistic trajectory to strike its designated target with high accuracy.

Although publicly available information on İHA-122’s technical features is limited, one of its most prominent elements is the TV seeker head. This technology enables the missile to identify and guide itself toward targets using visual observation, aiming to enhance precision. Moreover, the missile’s onboard guidance technologies suggest it can effectively engage both stationary and moving targets. Given that the munition was specifically designed for compatibility with UAVs, it is assessed to have a lightweight and compact compact and aerodynamics profile.

The inscription “Salam olsun TCG Anatolia” written on the missile indicates its potential for use in air operations supported by sea platforms. In this context, the missile is regarded as a munition specifically developed for offensive missions against maritime targets.

The İHA-122 supersonic missile has been evaluated across various unmanned aerial platforms under different test scenarios. In this regard, tests conducted with both the Bayraktar AKINCI Attack Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (TİHA) and the Bayraktar TB3 Armed Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (SİHA) demonstrate the missile’s interoperability and operational capabilities.

One of the first successful tests was carried out from the Bayraktar AKINCI TİHA. During this test, the missile was guided toward its target using its TV seeker head, and the launch was successfully completed. ROKETSAN stated that the missile achieved a direct hit on the target, and that this test reflects the level Türkiye has reached in its national missile technology.

Another significant integration and test process involved the Bayraktar TB3 platform. TB3 holds unique importance in both aviation and defense industry terms as the first SİHA capable of takeoff and landing from short-piston maritime platforms. During a test conducted on 25 March 2025, an İHA-122 missile integrated onto the TB3 platform successfully struck a 6x6 meter walled target located more than 50 kilometers away. The targeting task was performed by the Bayraktar TB2 airborne platform, which laser-designated the target, enabling the TB3 to engage. This successfully tested coordinated operation between two different SİHAs, multi-platform interaction, and mission-sharing like tactics.

Considering parameters such as payload capacity, wing structure, and flight endurance, the TB3 platform emerges as an ideal match for high-speed and relatively lightweight missile systems like İHA-122. Furthermore, the missile’s demonstrated ability to engage targets over sea areas highlights its potential as a building for enhancing Türkiye’s over-the-horizon strike capability.

The operational potential of the İHA-122 supersonic missile is shaped not only by its technical capabilities but also by the movement capacity and mission scope of the platforms with which it is integrated. Integration tests with platforms such as Bayraktar TB3 and AKINCI demonstrate that the missile can be effectively employed across varying altitudes, ranges, and mission types.

The missile’s air-to-ground supersonic ballistic design renders it a munition that moves at high speed and is difficult to detect by radar and air defense systems systems. This feature provides advantages in missions such as neutralizing high-value targets and suppressing enemy air defenses (SEAD). Supersonic approach to the target reduces engagement time, thereby limiting the target’s defensive response.

Guidance systems such as the TV seeker head enable visual target identification and tracking, significantly enhancing mission effectiveness, particularly against moving targets or in complex land environments. Additionally, the laser designation and engagement scenario conducted by TB2 and TB3 demonstrates the successful testing of a critical capability for mission execution across multiple aerial platforms. This situation provides a structure aligned with network-centric operation concepts and supports the feasibility of advanced tactics such as mission delegation and target sharing among SİHAs.

The use of İHA-122 against maritime targets is also significant in the context of Türkiye’s amphibian and sea-based operational concepts. When considered alongside the Bayraktar TB3, which operates from short-deck maritime platforms such as TCG Anadolu, this missile embodies a strategic multiplier in terms of long range precision strike capability.

The missile’s successful direct hit on targets from distances exceeding 50 kilometers demonstrates the effectiveness of the platform-integration system in terms of both range and impact precision. These achievements suggest a perspective for future adaptation of İHA-122 with different types of seeker heads to expand its mission profile.