Buckle up, defense enthusiasts! On August 15, 2025, the Turkish Navy’s TCG Istanbul frigate roared into the spotlight, nailing its first live target kill with the homegrown Hisar-D RF air defense missile. Launched from the cutting-edge MIDLAS vertical launch system in the Black Sea near Sinop, this test wasn’t just a flex—it was a game-changer, proving Türkiye’s naval might is ready to dominate without leaning on foreign tech.
Picture this: an unmanned aerial vehicle zipping through the sky, only to be obliterated by the Hisar-D RF, guided by a seamless integration of Türkiye’s finest defense systems. This wasn’t just a missile launch; it was a symphony of Roketsan’s missile wizardry, Aselsan’s radar and control tech, Havelsan’s combat management software, and STM’s integration expertise. Together, they formed a fully indigenous kill chain that left no room for doubt—Türkiye’s defense industry is firing on all cylinders.
The Hisar-D RF, a medium-range, medium-altitude missile built for naval warfare, is a beast. With its active radar seeker, it’s designed to take down everything from aircraft and helicopters to UAVs, cruise missiles, and precision-guided munitions. Launched from MIDLAS, which can pack four interceptors per cell, this system delivers dense, layered protection for Türkiye’s surface combatants. The test showcased a dream team of subsystems: Aselsan’s HİSAR-D Fire Control System called the shots, the CENK 4D AESA radar scanned the skies, the AKREP fire control radar locked on with precision, and the AGRAS seeker head, paired with the GÜDÜ missile data link, ensured the missile hit its mark with surgical accuracy.
This isn’t Türkiye’s first rodeo with the Hisar-D RF. Land-based trials kicked off in 2022, followed by a shipborne launch from TCG Istanbul in March 2024. But this August 2025 test? It’s the crown jewel—the first time the system took out a live aerial target in real combat conditions. This milestone was born from necessity after the U.S. embargoed the Mk 41 Vertical Launch System, pushing Türkiye to fast-track MIDLAS for its Istif-class frigates. The result? A homegrown solution that rivals the U.S. Evolved Sea Sparrow Missile (ESSM) in performance, with the added bonus of complete national control.
The implications are huge. This test not only cements Türkiye’s place among advanced NATO navies but also sends a clear message in the Eastern Mediterranean and Black Sea, where strategic tensions are simmering. The Hisar-D RF and MIDLAS are stepping stones to bigger things—like the long-range Siper Block I/II and the Atmaca anti-ship missile—set to amplify Türkiye’s naval power projection. With contracts already in place for Roketsan, Aselsan, Havelsan, and STM to outfit Istif-class frigates and future TF-2000 destroyers, Türkiye’s naval modernization is in overdrive.
The TCG Istanbul, built at Istanbul Shipyard Command, is the trailblazer, with more ships set to follow. This test wasn’t just about one missile hitting one target—it was a bold declaration of Türkiye’s self-reliance and a glimpse into a future where its navy stands tall as a regional powerhouse. Stay tuned, because Türkiye’s maritime ambitions are just getting started!
