Turkish Navy’s first indigenous vertical launching system passed an important milestone. Turkish Ministry of Defence announced the first test launch of the MIDLAS was successfully carried out by Roketsan with an indigenous HISAR RF missile at the Aksaray test range. Turkish Defence Agency (SSB) and Roketsan also announced the milestone.
“The first firing test of the Roketsan-made National Vertical Launch System (MIDLAS) was successfully conducted. the #MİDLAS will enter service for the Turkish Naval Forces in 2023 after its integration into the frigate ISTANBUL.”
Turkish Ministry of Defence on Twitter
MIDLAS is one of the most important projects for the Turkish Naval Forces. This is because this system will replace Lockheed Martin’s Mk 41 VLS, which was originally intended for the I-class frigates. After the U.S. imposed CAATSA sanctions on Turkey in 2020, Roketsan accelerated the national VLS project, initially intended for the TF-2000 air defense destroyers after 2027, to complete the system before the commissioning of the lead ship of the I-class frigates, the future TCG ISTANBUL (F-515).
In the initial phase, the MIDLAS will give air defense capability to Turkish Navy ships by launching indigenous Hisar RF 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.
Speaking to the state-run Anadolu Agency, Murat IKINCI, CEO of Roketsan, pointed out that the company is working with the Turkish Navy and SSB for the MIDLAS project. He said that the company is prioritizing the integration of the missiles in accordance with the needs of the Turkish Navy.
“With this project, we will be able to integrate our national missiles much easier and faster. In the next phases, we intend to meet the vertical firing needs of all indigenous warships as part of the MIDLAS project. The fact that these weapon systems have reached the stage of using national munitions paves the way for Turkey to act completely independently in this regard. We intend to launch SIPER Block-1 from MIDLAS. Atmaca and equivalent missiles are on our agenda.”
Murat IKINCI, Roketsan CEO
