At the prestigious Defence and Security Equipment International (DSEI) 2025 exhibition held in London from September 9 to 12, 2025, Türkiye’s defense technology giant, Aselsan, showcased its cutting-edge advancements in precision-guided munitions with the expanded Tolun family. This unveiling marks a significant milestone in Türkiye’s quest for defense autonomy, presenting a versatile suite of munitions capable of executing high-precision strikes from both air and ground platforms. The Tolun family, including the TOLUN-IIR and TOLUN-S variants, is engineered to tackle hardened targets with unparalleled accuracy, adaptability, and resilience, positioning Aselsan as a formidable player in the global defense industry.
The Evolution of the Tolun Family
The Tolun family, initially developed as an air-launched precision-guided munition, has undergone a transformative evolution to include ground-launched capabilities, significantly enhancing its operational flexibility. The TOLUN-IIR, with its advanced imaging infrared (IIR) seeker and man-in-the-loop functionality, and the TOLUN-S, optimized for long-range ground-to-ground engagements, represent the pinnacle of Aselsan’s innovation in smart munition technology. These systems are designed to meet the complex demands of modern warfare, where precision, electronic warfare resilience, and multi-platform compatibility are paramount.
TOLUN-IIR: Precision Redefined
The TOLUN-IIR is a standout in Aselsan’s portfolio, integrating advanced sensor fusion and real-time operator engagement to deliver unmatched accuracy. Its defining feature is the “man-in-the-loop” capability, enabled through a two-way datalink that transmits seeker imagery to the operator, allowing mid-flight target updates and precise aim-point selection. This adaptability is critical in dynamic battlefields where targets may shift or require last-minute adjustments. The munition’s advanced fragmentation warhead, equipped with a proximity sensor and programmable fuse, offers flexible detonation options, making it effective against a wide range of targets, from fortified bunkers to moving vehicles.
Weighing approximately 120 kg and measuring 1.8 meters in length, the TOLUN-IIR boasts a range of up to 80 km and can operate at altitudes of 40,000 feet. Its guidance system, combining GPS, Inertial Navigation System (INS), and IIR technologies, achieves a Circular Error Probable (CEP) of less than 3 meters, ensuring pinpoint accuracy even in adverse weather conditions. The inclusion of a Controlled Reception Pattern Antenna (CRPA) enhances its resistance to electronic jamming, a critical feature in contested electromagnetic environments. Compatible with platforms like the F-16, Bayraktar Akıncı UAV, and the forthcoming KAAN fifth-generation fighter, the TOLUN-IIR is mounted on the Smart Pneumatic Quad Rack (SADAK-4T), enabling simultaneous engagement of multiple targets with minimal aircraft sorties.
TOLUN-S and the Göktan System: Ground-Launched Precision
The TOLUN-S, a ground-launched adaptation of the Tolun munition, is a cornerstone of Aselsan’s ground-based precision strike capabilities. Developed in collaboration with Delta-V, the Göktan system integrates the TOLUN-S with a hybrid rocket motor, offering enhanced thrust control and a range of approximately 102 km (55 nautical miles). Launched from a ramp with an elevation of 70-75°, the TOLUN-S employs a booster to exit the canister, after which its wings deploy to facilitate a gliding flight path guided by a GNSS/INS system. The system’s 4-channel CRPA and spoofing-resistant software ensure robust navigation, even in GPS-denied environments.
The Göktan system’s fire control architecture supports mission planning, waypoint-defined targeting, and 360-degree firing capability, allowing engagement of critical targets without platform maneuvering. With a 105 kg warhead designed to penetrate up to 1 meter of reinforced concrete, the TOLUN-S is comparable to the U.S.-Swedish Ground-Launched Small Diameter Bomb (GLSDB). Its compact dimensions—1,850 mm long, 191 mm wide, and 269 mm high—enable integration with various ground platforms, making it a versatile addition to the Turkish Armed Forces’ arsenal. The system’s ability to support centralized and independent operation modes, multi-target engagement, and sequential firing further enhances its operational effectiveness in dynamic combat scenarios.
Strategic Significance and Global Comparisons
Aselsan’s advancements with the Tolun family underscore Türkiye’s ambition to achieve self-reliance in defense technology while competing with global benchmarks. The TOLUN-IIR’s capabilities rival those of the U.S. GBU-54 Laser JDAM and Israeli Lizard kits, offering similar terminal accuracy but with the advantage of indigenous production and sensor fusion. Its passive targeting via IIR seekers avoids vulnerabilities in the RF spectrum, making it ideal for countering anti-access/area denial (A2/AD) strategies. The TOLUN-S, on the other hand, draws parallels with the GLSDB, but its hybrid rocket motor and larger warhead provide superior thrust control and destructive power.
The successful first live-fire test of the Göktan system on February 21, 2025, in Sinop, northern Türkiye, demonstrated the TOLUN-S’s pinpoint accuracy in ground-to-ground engagements. Aselsan’s President and CEO, Ahmet Akyol, emphasized the milestone, stating, “We have reached a key milestone in equipping Tolun with ground-launch capability. As we continue to develop force-multiplier systems, this advancement enhances Türkiye’s precision-strike capabilities and expands its operational flexibility.” This achievement not only bolsters Türkiye’s military capabilities but also positions Aselsan as a potential exporter of advanced munitions to NATO allies and strategic partners.
DSEI 2025: A Platform for Global Recognition
At DSEI 2025, Aselsan’s showcase of the Tolun family highlights its commitment to innovation and operational excellence. The exhibition, attended by over 1,600 defense and security suppliers, provides a global stage for Aselsan to demonstrate its technological prowess. The Tolun family’s compatibility with diverse platforms, including drones, fighter jets, and ground launchers, underscores its versatility and appeal to international markets. Aselsan’s $35 million export contract for TOLUN munitions, secured prior to DSEI, signals growing global demand for its precision-guided solutions.
The integration of the Tolun family with the KAAN fifth-generation fighter, showcased at the Paris Air Show 2025, further amplifies its strategic importance. The KAAN’s internal weapons bays and external pylons make it an ideal platform for the Tolun suite, which includes the LGK series and Gözde dual-mode guidance kits. This comprehensive strike package enhances Türkiye’s sovereignty in defense production and reduces reliance on foreign technology, aligning with Ankara’s broader strategic goals.
Future Prospects and Geopolitical Impact
Looking ahead, Aselsan is exploring potential upgrades to the Göktan system, including the integration of the TOLUN-IIR variant, which could evolve into a hybrid cruise missile. Such advancements would broaden the system’s operational applications, enabling the Turkish Armed Forces to address a wider range of threats. The Tolun family’s modular design and standardized guidance systems facilitate rapid adaptation to new platforms and targets, making it an attractive option for export markets in regions like the Middle East, Africa, and Asia.
Geopolitically, Aselsan’s innovations strengthen Türkiye’s position within NATO and its partnerships with allied nations. The company’s participation in NATO’s Modular Ground-Based Air Defense (GBAD) program, announced in May 2025, further underscores its growing influence in alliance defense planning. By offering cost-effective, high-performance munitions, Aselsan is poised to compete with established defense contractors, potentially reshaping regional defense dynamics and fostering collaborations with countries like the UAE, India, and Egypt.
Conclusion
Aselsan’s expanded Tolun family, showcased at DSEI 2025, represents a leap forward in precision-guided munitions, blending cutting-edge technology with operational versatility. The TOLUN-IIR and TOLUN-S, supported by the Göktan system, offer robust solutions for air and ground-launched strikes, capable of penetrating hardened targets with exceptional accuracy. As Türkiye continues to advance its defense industry, Aselsan’s innovations position it as a leader in the global arms market, delivering sovereign, high-impact solutions that redefine modern warfare. With DSEI 2025 serving as a platform for global recognition, the Tolun family is set to make a lasting impact on the future of precision strikes.
