March 25, 2025 (by Lieven Dewitte) - Turkey has successfully carried out a test launch of the SOM-J, a next-generation air-launched cruise missile (ALCM), from an F-16 block 40. This development is part of Turkey’s broader efforts to enhance its indigenous defense capabilities and reduce reliance on foreign-made weapon systems.
Developed by TÜBİTAK SAGE, the Defence Research and Development Institute of Turkey and Roketsan, the SOM-J is a variant of the SOM (Turkish: Satha Atılan Orta Menzilli Mühimmat) family, designed primarily for use on fighter aircraft such as the F-16 and the F-35. It offers extended-range precision strike capabilities against high-value, heavily defended land and naval targets.

According to Turkish defense sources, an F-16 of the TUAF 401st Test Squadron fired the SOM-J cruise missile on March 21st and achieved a successful strike on the target in open waters with pinpoint accuracy. The test firing validated the missile’s advanced guidance, target acquisition, and precision strike capabilities in real-world conditions, ensuring its effectiveness in future combat scenarios.

Key highlights of the SOM-J:

• Stealth and Precision: The missile features low-observable characteristics, making it harder for enemy air defenses to detect and intercept.
• Extended Range: It boasts a range of approximately 250+ km (155+ miles), enabling stand-off strikes beyond enemy defenses.
• Advanced Guidance System: Uses GPS/INS navigation combined with an imaging infrared (IIR) seeker for high-accuracy targeting.

Strategic Importance
The successful test comes at a time when Turkey continues to develop its domestic defense industry, aiming for greater self-sufficiency in military technology. The integration of the SOM-J onto Turkey’s F-16 fleet significantly enhances the aircraft’s strike capabilities, especially in contested environments.

Additionally, the missile’s compatibility with the F-35 was initially a major selling point, though Turkey's removal from the F-35 program has shifted its focus to alternative platforms, including its indigenous TF-X fighter project and UCAV such as the Bayraktar Akıncı and Kizilelma. However, the SOM-J remains a viable option for other allied nations operating the F-35, potentially expanding Turkey’s defense export opportunities.

With the successful test of the SOM-J, Turkey has demonstrated its growing ability to produce advanced precision-strike weapons.