Cruise Missile
ROKETSAN ÇAKIR
The ÇAKIR is a low-cost cruise missile made by Roketsan in Türkiye, first unveiled in 2022 and reported to have entered Turkish service from 2025. It can be launched from aircraft, drones, ships and trucks, and uses the domestic KTJ-1750 turbojet.
Türkiye|RoketsanOverview
Roketsan unveiled the ÇAKIR in 2022 as a family of cruise missiles, after first test flights in 2019. The airframe weighs about 275 kg, with a length of 3.2 m and a diameter of 275 mm. A KTJ-1750 turbojet from Kale ARGE gives a subsonic speed of Mach 0.75–0.85, and the 70 kg warhead is a blast-fragmentation type. Guidance combines INS, anti-jam GNSS, terrain-referenced navigation and a data link, with an imaging infrared or radar seeker.
Range is over 150 km, and later versions are reported to reach longer distances. Launch platforms include fixed-wing aircraft, helicopters, drones such as the Bayraktar AKINCI, which can carry up to four, and unmanned surface vessels. Truck launchers carry four missiles on a 6×6 vehicle. Roketsan reportedly began deliveries to the Turkish Armed Forces from 2025 (hedged). It has been shown at IDEF and IDEX, but no foreign customer is confirmed.
Key Specifications
Variants
The air-launched ÇAKIR is carried by aircraft and armed drones such as the AKINCI.
The ÇAKIR A1 is the anti-ship oriented version, using an imaging infrared or radar seeker for naval targets.
The land and surface-launched ÇAKIR adds a booster and fires from trucks or unmanned surface vessels.
Operators
TürkiyeFrequently Asked Questions
What is the range of the ÇAKIR missile?
The ÇAKIR has a range of more than 150 km, according to Roketsan. Later versions, such as the ÇAKIR A and the 250 km class, are reported to reach farther, but those figures remain unconfirmed.
How fast is the ÇAKIR cruise missile?
The ÇAKIR flies at Mach 0.75–0.85, which is subsonic. A KTJ-1750 turbojet engine developed by Kale ARGE provides the thrust. Its low flight profile and navigation aids matter more than raw speed.
Who makes the ÇAKIR missile?
The ÇAKIR is made by Roketsan, Türkiye’s state-owned missile manufacturer. The company unveiled the missile in 2022, and its turbojet engine comes from Kale ARGE, in line with Türkiye’s goal of reducing reliance on foreign engines.
Can the AKINCI carry the ÇAKIR?
Yes, the Bayraktar AKINCI can carry the ÇAKIR. A MALE-class drone like the AKINCI can fit up to four missiles. Test launches from AKINCI took place in 2022–2024, and integration with the KIZILELMA is planned.
ÇAKIR vs Tomahawk: what is the difference?
The ÇAKIR is a smaller, cheaper missile with a 70 kg warhead and a range over 150 km. The Tomahawk is much larger and travels much farther, with a range of well over 1,000 km. The two weapons fill different roles.
Is the ÇAKIR in service with the Turkish Armed Forces?
Roketsan announced deliveries of the ÇAKIR to the Turkish Armed Forces from 2025, according to reports. Foreign customers are not confirmed, although the missile has been displayed at the IDEF and IDEX defence fairs.
