At IDEX 2025, Turkiye’s missile manufacturer, Roketsan, showcased its indigenous vertical launch system (VLS), “MIDLAS,” featuring quad-pack surface-to-air missile launching capabilities and a newly introduced ability to launch anti-ship missiles.
Turkish missile manufacturer Roketsan is showcasing its homegrown vertical launching system (VLS) solution, the MIDLAS (Milli Dikey Atım Sistemi), at IDEX-NAVDEX 2025 exhibition in Abu Dhabi.
The scale model of MIDLAS at the event shows ATMACA anti-ship missile and quad pack SAM solutions, which is currently under process by Roketsan.
MIDLAS stands as a vertical launch system engineered by Roketsan. Its development gained momentum following the cancellation of the Mk 41 VLS deal due to US sanctions prompted by Turkey’s procurement of the S-400 air defense system, which led to the termination of collaboration in the F35 JSF project. Despite these challenges, the project was swiftly realized.
Following the first firing trial of MIDLAS in December 2023, the system was swiftly integrated into the TCG Istanbul, initiating sea trials promptly. The sea trials culminated in the actual firing of the HISAR-D (D-Deniz, meaning Sea) missile from MIDLAS, constituting the shipborne variant of the RF iteration within the HISAR air defence missile series. While the company has not disclosed specific missile specifications, open sources estimate its range to be approximately 35-40 km.
In the initial phase, the MIDLAS will give air defense capability to Turkish Navy ships by launching indigenous Hisar-D missiles. Later, SIPER Block-1 (a long-range air defense system), ATMACA, and other national missiles will be integrated into MIDLAS. This will allow the Turkish Navy to deploy a wide range of defensive and offensive missiles on its platforms.
