ŞİMŞEK High-Speed Target Drone System Successfully Tested with RATO

One of the critical projects of the Turkish defence industry, the ŞİMŞEK High-Speed Target Drone System, successfully completed its test flight with a rocket-assisted take-off system (RATO). With this milestone, the system has gained a new capability, enabling it to be used both as a target drone and for kamikaze missions.

National Technology by TUSAŞ

The new capabilities of the ŞİMŞEK platform, developed by TUSAŞ, were announced by President of the Defence Industry Agency Haluk Görgün via social media. Görgün stated:

“Our defence industry has added yet another critical capability. With its rocket-assisted take-off system (RATO), ŞİMŞEK K has taken off from the ground for the first time, gaining the ability to be used both as a target drone and for kamikaze missions.
This step is a tangible demonstration of technologies developed entirely with national resources, strengthening our deterrence and enhancing our operational flexibility.”

Enhancing Operational Flexibility

The new capability of ŞİMŞEK is considered a significant step that increases operational flexibility and strengthens deterrence for the Turkish defence industry. The fact that the project has been developed entirely with national resources also stands out as a key factor.

President Görgün expressed his gratitude to the TUSAŞ engineers and the entire defence industry ecosystem who contributed to this achievement.