{{Short description|Turkish long-range surface-to-air missile defense system}} {{About|the missile system|the item of Turkish archery equipment|Turkish archery}} {{Infobox weapon | is_missile = yes | name = SİPER Air Defence System | image = | image_size = 300 | caption = | origin = Turkey | type = Surface-to-air/anti-ballistic missile | used_by = Turkish Air Force | designer = Aselsan<br>Roketsan<br>Tübitak SAGE | design_date = 2018–present<ref name="siperblock2test2024">{{cite news |trans-title=The new missile of the Steel Dome's deterrent force in air defense, "SIPER", was successfully tested|url=https://www.aa.com.tr/tr/savunma-sanayisi/celik-kubbenin-hava-savunmasindaki-caydirici-gucu-siperin-yeni-fuzesi-basariyla-test-edildi/3331024|publisher=Anadolu Agency |title=Çelik Kubbe'nin hava savunmasındaki caydırıcı gücü "SİPER"in yeni füzesi başarıyla test edildi|date=15 September 2024 |language=en |accessdate=2 April 2025}}</ref> | manufacturer = Roketsan | unit_cost = | propellant = | production_date = 2023–present | service = Block 1: 2024–present<ref name="siperb1inverntory"/><br />Block 2: prototype | engine = Solid propellant, two-stage motor | engine_power = | weight = | length = *Block 1: 5.4 m<ref name="roketsanpage"/><ref name="aselsanpage"/> *Block 2: 6.3 m<ref name="roketsanpage"/><ref name="aselsanpage"/> | height = | diameter = *Block 1: {{convert|370|mm|in|abbr=on}}<ref name="roketsanpage"/><ref name="aselsanpage"/> *Block 2: {{convert|420|mm|in|abbr=on}}<ref name="roketsanpage">{{cite news |url=https://www.roketsan.com.tr/uploads/docs/kataloglar/ENG/2024/1726595985_siper.pdf |publisher=Roketsan |title=Siper Missile Roketsan Page |date=30 December 2022 |language=en |accessdate=9 January 2025}}</ref><ref name="aselsanpage">{{cite news |url=https://wwwcdn.aselsan.com/api/file/SST_SIPER_1_2_TR.pdf |publisher=Aselsan |title=Siper Missile Aselsan Page |date=30 December 2022 |language=tr |accessdate=9 January 2025}}</ref> | wingspan = | speed = | vehicle_range = *Block 1: >100+ km (official)<ref name="roketsanpage"/><ref name="aselsanpage"/><ref name="anadolu100"/> *Block 2: >150 km (official)<ref name="roketsanpage"/><ref name="aselsanpage"/> *Block 3: >180+ km | ceiling = *Block 1: 20 km<ref name="aselsanpage"/> *Block 2: 30 km<ref name="aselsanpage"/> *Block 3: +30 km class | filling = High Explosive | guidance = * Active RF seeker<ref name="siperb1test100"/> | detonation = Calculated delay proximity fuze | launch_platform = }} '''SİPER''' (''Trench'') is a high to medium air defense surface-to-air missile (SAM) system. Designed to defend against any type of airborne threat, it can engage aircraft, cruise missiles, air-to-ground missiles and unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs).<ref>{{Cite web |last=Demirhan |first=Meryem |title=Key part of Turkish air defence system Siper to be completed in 2023 |url=https://www.trtworld.com/turkey/Meryem%20Demirhan |access-date=2023-05-14 |website=Key part of Turkish air defence system Siper to be completed in 2023 |language=en}}</ref> It was jointly developed in Turkey by the companies Roketsan, Aselsan and the research institute TÜBİTAK SAGE.<ref name="ntv1">{{cite news |url=https://www.ntv.com.tr/turkiye/siper-fuzesi-100-kilometre-menzilini-asti,EkZBM-z95E-ioM7nCcxcQQ |newspaper=NTV |title=SİPER füzesi 100 kilometre menzilini aştı |date=30 December 2022 |language=tr |accessdate=3 January 2023}}</ref>
The SİPER system project was launched by the Presidency of Defence Industries in 2018. The missile is developed by Roketsan, and most sensors and electronics by Aselsan. The ''SIPER'' missile was originally announced as ''Hisar-U''. However, it was later announced that the Siper missile would be a new missile family and 3 different blocks would be developed. Siper Block 1 were developed based on the Hisar-O missile with booster.<ref name="hisarsiper">{{cite news |url=https://www.defenceturkey.com/tr/icerik/hisar-rf-agtf-atisi-ve-siper-b1-fuzesi-ile-farkliliklari-4986 |website=defenceturkey.com |title=HİSAR-RF AGTF Atışı ve SİPER B1 Füzesi ile Farklılıkları |date=28 February 2022 |language=tr |accessdate=2 April 2025}}</ref>
==Siper Block 1== ''Siper Block 1'' was originally planned as ''Hisar-U''. However, after it was concluded that ''Hisar-U'' could not meet Turkey's long-range and high-altitude air defense missile needs with its current structure, it was decided to transform ''Hisar-U'' into a new missile family. This missile family was named ''Siper'' and the name of Hisar-U was changed to ''Siper Block 1''. ''Siper Block 1'' was designed by adding a booster to the Hisar-O missile and some parts were modified.<ref name="hisarsiper"/><ref>{{cite news |trans-title=News about Turkish air defense systems from Chinese army newspaper|url=https://www.trthaber.com/haber/dunya/cin-ordu-gazetesinden-turk-hava-savunma-sistemleri-haberi-798452.html|website=trthaber.com|publisher=TRT |title=Çin ordu gazetesinden Türk hava savunma sistemleri haberi |date=26 September 2023|language=tr |accessdate=2 April 2025|quote=''Siper'in, Hisar-U uzun menzilli hava savunma füzesi temel alınarak geliştirildiği hatırlatıldı.''}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |trans-title=Hisar-U, Turkey's long-range air and missile defense system, takes historic steps|url=https://www.haberturk.com/turkiyenin-uzun-menzilli-hava-ve-fuze-savunma-sistemi-hisar-uda-tarihi-adim-3612551-ekonomi|website=haberturk.com|publisher=Habertürk |title=Türkiye'nin uzun menzilli hava ve füze savunma sistemi Hisar-U'da tarihi adım|date=7 August 2023|language=tr |accessdate=2 April 2025}}</ref> During the first firing test, which took place at the test range in Sinop, northern Turkey in December 2022, the SİPER Block 1 missile successfully demonstrated the ability to detect, track and hit a high-speed target aircraft at a range exceeding {{cvt|100|km}}.<ref name="anadolu100">{{cite news |url=https://www.aa.com.tr/en/turkiye/turkish-air-defense-system-siper-successfully-hits-target-at-62-miles/2776595 |newspaper=Anadolu Agency |title=Turkish air defense system, Siper, successfully hits target at 62 miles |date=31 December 2022 |accessdate=9 January 2025}}</ref> It was announced that SİPER will be put into service within 2024.<ref name="ntv1" />
At the Defense Industry meeting held on 20 December 2022, it was decided that Turkey would start mass production of air defense products.<ref>{{cite web|title=Türkiye to start mass producing domestic air defense systems|url=https://www.aa.com.tr/en/economy/turkiye-to-start-mass-producing-domestic-air-defense-systems/2768596|date=20 December 2022|access-date=30 March 2025|publisher=Anadolu Agency}}</ref> SİPER successfully passed its final test on 13 May 2023, hitting a long-distance target.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Ergocun |first=Gokhan |date=13 May 2023 |title=Turkish air defense system passes final test successfully |url=https://www.aa.com.tr/en/turkiye/turkish-air-defense-system-passes-final-test-successfully/2896186 |access-date=14 May 2023 |website=Anadolu Agency}}</ref> On 15 December 2023, a contract worth more than $1.5 billion was signed between Aselsan, Roketsan and Tübitak SAGE companies and the Turkish Land Forces and the Turkish Air Force for the mass production of ''Siper'', Hisar and other air defense missiles. According to the contract, the mass production products of the ''Siper'' Block-1 and other air defense missile systems will be delivered to the Turkish Armed Forces between 2025 and 2029.<ref>{{cite web|trans-title=SİPER Product-1 and HİSAR projects were signed for mass production|title=SİPER Ürün-1 ve HİSAR projelerinde seri üretim için imzalar atıldı|url=https://www.aa.com.tr/tr/ekonomi/siper-urun-1-ve-hisar-projelerinde-seri-uretim-icin-imzalar-atildi/3083811|date=15 December 2023|access-date=30 March 2025|publisher=Anadolu Agency|language=tr}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|trans-title=Serial Production Period in SİPER and HİSAR Air Defense Systems|title=SİPER ve HİSAR Hava Savunma Sistemlerinde Seri Üretim Dönemi|url=https://www.defenceturk.net/siper-ve-hisar-hava-savunma-sistemlerinde-seri-uretim-donemi|date=17 December 2023|access-date=30 March 2025|publisher=Defence Turk|language=tr}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|trans-title=Signing Ceremony for Serial Production Contracts of SİPER Product-1 and HİSAR Projects Held|title=SİPER Ürün-1 ve HİSAR Projelerinin Seri Üretim Sözleşmeleri İçin İmza Töreni Düzenlendi|url=https://www.msb.gov.tr/SlaytHaber/b3649214bafd4750b22a457905ac6ec2|date=15 December 2023|access-date=30 March 2025|publisher=Ministry of National Defense (Turkey)|language=tr}}</ref> Speaking at the contract ceremony, Turkish Defense Minister Yaşar Güler said that ''Siper'' and other defense products were produced domestically.<ref>{{cite web|trans-title=Minister Guler: Turkey has now become a production base for critical technologies|title=Bakan Güler: Artık Türkiye kritik teknolojilerin üretim üssü konumuna gelmiştir|url=https://www.aa.com.tr/tr/politika/bakan-guler-artik-turkiye-kritik-teknolojilerin-uretim-ussu-konumuna-gelmistir/3083780|date=15 December 2023|access-date=30 March 2025|publisher=Anadolu Agency|language=tr}}</ref> Aselsan CEO Ahmet Akyol said that the production of ''Siper'' air defense systems continued in 2024. He also stated that the chips of the missiles, radars and other electronic parts were designed by them and thousands of these chips were produced.<ref>{{cite web|trans-title=ASELSAN General Manager Ahmet Akyol: We design the chips ourselves, we can mass produce thousands of them as of 2024|title=ASELSAN Genel Müdürü Ahmet Akyol: Çipleri kendimiz tasarlıyor, 2024 itibarıyla binlercesini seri üretebiliyoruz|url=https://www.aa.com.tr/tr/savunma-sanayisi/aselsan-genel-muduru-ahmet-akyol-cipleri-kendimiz-tasarliyor-2024-itibariyla-binlercesini-seri-uretebiliyoruz/3200577|date=24 April 2024|access-date=30 March 2025|publisher=Anadolu Agency|language=tr}}</ref> In October 2024 Siper Block-1 entered the inventory.<ref name="siperb1inverntory">{{Cite web |trans-title=The deterrent power of the Steel Dome, the SİPER Product-1 system, has entered the inventory|date=28 October 2024 |language=tr |title=Çelik Kubbe'nin caydırıcı gücü SİPER Ürün-1 sistemi envantere girdi|url=https://www.aa.com.tr/tr/savunma-sanayisi/celik-kubbenin-caydirici-gucu-siper-urun-1-sistemi-envantere-girdi/3377216|access-date=4 April 2025|publisher=Anadolu Agency }}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |date=2024-10-28 |language=tr |title=SİPER Product-1 Long Range AD System Enters inventory |url=https://turdef.com/article/siper-product-1-long-range-ad-system-enters-inventory |access-date=2024-11-03}}</ref> It was announced that Siper Block-1 had undergone more than 100 launching tests.<ref name="siperb1test100">{{Cite web |date=18 April 2025 |title=Siper Product-1 Leaves Behind the 100th Firing Test|url=https://turdef.com/article/siper-product-1-leaves-behind-the-100th-firing-test|access-date=19 April 2025|website=turdef.com }}</ref> On 27 August 2025 a Siper system consisting of 10 vehicles was delivered to the Turkish Armed Forces at a ceremony attended by Erdoğan.<ref name="aselsan27august">{{Cite news|url=https://www.aa.com.tr/tr/gundem/cumhurbaskani-erdogan-sistemler-sistemi-celik-kubbe-ile-hava-savunmasinda-artik-farkli-bir-klasmana-cikacagiz/3670647|date=27 August 2025|access-date=29 August 2025|trans-title=President Erdoğan: We will now be in a different league in air defense with the Steel Dome system|title=Cumhurbaşkanı Erdoğan: Sistemler sistemi Çelik Kubbe ile hava savunmasında artık farklı bir klasmana çıkacağız |website=Anadolu Agency|language=tr}}</ref> It was later announced that a standard battery of a Siper Block 1 system consists of 14 vehicles. It was stated that the Siper Block 1 radar can detect enemy elements at a range of 500–600 km and that mass production is underway as of September 2025.<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://bigpara.hurriyet.com.tr/haberler/genel-haberler/aselsan-genel-muduru-akyoldan-onemli-aciklamalar_ID1618070|date=17 September 2025|title=Yeni nesil tehditlere karşı Çelik Kubbe! Göklerde yeni dönem başlıyor|website=Hürriyet|language=tr}}</ref>
==Siper Block 2== ''Siper Block 2'' missile was developed as a completely new missile, unlike block 1. It has a single-stage rocket engine. It was also announced that a booster was planned to be used to extend the range of Block-2.<ref name="siperblock2">{{cite news |url=https://www.defenceturk.net/siper-hava-savunma-sisteminde-180-km-menzil-hedefi|website=defenceturk.net|trans-title=180 km range target in SİPER air defense system|title=SİPER hava savunma sisteminde 180 km menzil hedefi|date=26 November 2024 |accessdate=2 April 2025|language=tr}}</ref> The first firing test of Siper B2, which has a range of 150 km, was successfully completed in August 2023.<ref>https://www.defenceturkey.com/en/content/the-first-firing-test-of-siper-block-2-successfully-completed-5746</ref> On 15 September 2024, a new test was conducted in Sinop.<ref name="siperblock2test2024"/> The development of the system continues at the air defense test center named ''Robosim'' established by Aselsan.<ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.defenceturk.net/celik-kubbenin-caydirici-gucu-siper-urun-2den-test-atisi|website=defenceturk.net|trans-title=Test firing from the deterrent power of Steel Dome, SİPER Product-2!|title=Çelik Kubbe'nin caydırıcı gücü SİPER Ürün-2'den test atışı!|date=15 September 2024 |accessdate=2 April 2025|language=tr}}</ref> A mock-up of the missile was first seen in public at the ''Euronaval'' fair in November 2024.<ref name="siperb1test100"/><ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.donanimhaber.com/celik-kubbe-nin-neferi-siper-urun-2-ilk-defa-sergilendi--183848|website=donanimhaber.com|trans-title=The soldier of the Steel Dome, the SİPER Product 2 air defense missile, was exhibited for the first time|title=Çelik Kubbe'nin neferi SİPER Ürün 2 hava savunma füzesi ilk defa sergilendi|date=5 November 2024 |accessdate=2 April 2025|language=tr}}</ref>
==Siper Block 3== It was announced that ''Siper Block 3'' is under development.<ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.aa.com.tr/tr/savunma-sanayisi/hava-savunma-sistemleri-2024te-vatani-uctan-uca-koruyacak/3148768|publisher=Anadolu Agency|trans-title=Air defense systems will protect the homeland end-to-end in 2024|title=Hava savunma sistemleri 2024'te vatanı uçtan uca koruyacak|date=28 February 2024 |accessdate=2 April 2025|language=tr}}</ref> The system is developed against ballistic missiles.<ref name="siperb1test100"/><ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.savunmatr.com/siper-urun-3-hava-savunma-sistemi-ozellikleri/|website=savunmatr.com|title=SİPER Ürün-3 Hava Savunma Sistemi Özellikleri|date=27 July 2024 |accessdate=2 April 2025|language=tr}}</ref> Siper Block 3 will have a range of 180 km+.<ref>https://www.defenceturk.net/siper-hava-savunma-sistemi-hava-kuvvetleri-envanterine-giriyor#:~:text=S%C4%B0PER%20f%C3%BCzeleri%20s%C4%B1ras%C4%B1yla%20tahminen%20%C5%9Fu,%2C%20180%2B%20km%20menzile%20sahiptir.</ref>
== Siper Block 4 ==
In May 2026, Turkish Defence Industries Secretary Haluk Görgün announced the development of '''Siper Block 4''' as the upper-layer ballistic missile defence component of Turkey's Steel Dome architecture.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Siper-A and Siper-4 as counters to ballistic missile threats |url=https://turdef.com/article/siper-a-and-siper-4-as-counters-to-ballistic-missile-threats |website=TurDef |access-date=7 May 2026}}</ref>
The missile is reportedly designed for interception at significantly higher altitudes than previous SİPER variants, potentially including exo-atmospheric interception profiles against medium-range and longer-range ballistic missile threats.<ref name="TurDef">{{Cite web |title=Siper-A and Siper-4 as counters to ballistic missile threats |url=https://turdef.com/article/siper-a-and-siper-4-as-counters-to-ballistic-missile-threats |website=TurDef |access-date=7 May 2026}}</ref>
According to defence industry reporting, Siper Block 4 is expected to use a multi-stage propulsion architecture comparable in concept to systems such as THAAD and the RIM-161 Standard Missile 3.<ref name="TurDef" />
The missile is anticipated to incorporate a kinetic hit-to-kill vehicle equipped with thruster-based maneuver control and an infrared seeker optimized for interception at extreme altitudes and velocities.<ref name="TurDef" />
The development of Siper Block 4 is associated with Turkey's broader ballistic missile defence efforts, including long-range early warning radar systems such as ASELSAN's ALP 500-G and ALP 600-G projects, as well as prospective space-based missile tracking capabilities.<ref name="TurDef" /> == SİPER-A ==
In May 2026, Turkish Defence Industries Secretary Haluk Görgün announced the development of the '''SİPER-A''' missile as part of Turkey's layered ballistic missile defence architecture under the Steel Dome project.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Siper-A and Siper-4 as counters to ballistic missile threats |url=https://turdef.com/article/siper-a-and-siper-4-as-counters-to-ballistic-missile-threats |website=TurDef |access-date=7 May 2026}}</ref>
The missile is intended to serve as the lower-layer anti-ballistic interceptor of the SİPER family, optimized for atmospheric terminal interception of ballistic missiles at high altitudes.<ref name="TurDef">{{Cite web |title=Siper-A and Siper-4 as counters to ballistic missile threats |url=https://turdef.com/article/siper-a-and-siper-4-as-counters-to-ballistic-missile-threats |website=TurDef |access-date=7 May 2026}}</ref>
According to official statements, SİPER-A will feature an active electronically scanned array (AESA) RF seeker and a high-agility quick reaction capability for engaging ballistic missile threats during their terminal phase. The system is reportedly intended to counter short-range ballistic missiles (SRBMs) and, within a limited engagement envelope, some medium-range ballistic missiles (MRBMs).<ref name="TurDef" />
The interceptor is expected to employ hit-to-kill engagement principles similar in operational role to the MIM-104 Patriot PAC-3 family, using maneuvering thrusters for enhanced agility during high-altitude interception profiles.<ref name="TurDef" /> == Specifications ==
Each Siper Air Defense System Battery will have four Siper Missile Launch Systems (FFS), at least two Missile Transport Loading Systems (FTYS), one UMAR/TEIRS Search Radar (AR), one Fire Control Center (AKM), one Fire Control Radar (AKR), one Fleet Control Center (FKM) and three Communication Station Vehicles (PINs).<ref>{{Cite web |date=15 November 2022 |title=SİPER BLOK II Füzesi İlk Kez Görüntülendi {{!}} SavunmaSanayiST |url=https://www.savunmasanayist.com/siper-blok-ii-fuzesi-ilk-kez-goruntulendi/ |access-date=15 November 2022 |language=tr}}</ref><ref name="Siper">{{Cite web |title=SİPER Hava Savunma Sistemi'nin Filo Yapısı Açıklandı |url=https://tr.linkedin.com/pulse/siper-hava-savunma-sisteminin-filo-yap%C4%B1s%C4%B1-a%C3%A7%C4%B1kland%C4%B1-meryem-a- |access-date=15 November 2022 |website=tr.linkedin.com |language=tr}}</ref>
Details:<ref>{{Cite web |date=2024-02-27 |title=ASELSAN'dan SİPER Ürün-3 müjdesi {{!}} SavunmaSanayiST |url=https://www.savunmasanayist.com/aselsandan-siper-urun-3-mujdesi/ |access-date=2024-02-28 |language=tr}}</ref> * Air defence planning and coordination * Management and distribution of information within the scope of command and control * Combined aerial image production * Multiple engagement and sequential firing * Manual/semi-automatic/automatic engagement * Friend-Foe Recognition (IFF) * Threat assessment and weapons allocation * Automated diagnostics management * Multi-target multi-radar fusion, Bidirectional communication with missiles * Wired/wireless communication * Upright/oblique shot * Ability to work in harsh conditions * Interface with HvBS, Radnet connection * Link to higher command via tactical data links (Link-16, JREAP-C) * Embedded simulation * Ability to operate with 8 FFS, each of which can fire 6 missiles
==Operators==
=== Current Operators === ; {{flag|Turkey}} Turkish Air Force: *Block One - 5 (or more) batteries<ref name="siperb1inverntory" /><ref name="aselsan27august" /><ref name="siper2026A">{{cite news |trans-title=New Delivery for SİPER-1 Air Defense System: Firing Tests Successfully Completed|url=https://tskgv.org.tr/savunma-sanayii-gundem/siper-1-hava-savunma-sisteminde-yeni-teslimat-atisli-testler-basariyla-tamamlandi|publisher=Turkish Armed Forces Foundation |title=SİPER-1 Hava Savunma Sistemi’nde Yeni Teslimat: Atışlı Testler Başarıyla Tamamlandı|date=5 January 2026 |language=tr |accessdate=10 March 2026}}</ref><ref>https://turdef.com/article/turkish-mod-announces-siper-1-and-aksungur-delivery</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=https://aa.com.tr/tr/savunma-sanayisi/roketsan-uretim-tesisleri-acilisi-ve-temel-atma-toreni-yapildi/3896401|title= "ROKETSAN Üretim Tesisleri Açılışı ve Temel Atma Töreni" yapıldı|date=7 April 2026 |publisher=Anadolu Agency|language=tr}}</ref>
=== Future Operators === {{Flag|Indonesia}}
Indonesian Air Force: Unknown number of SiPER missiles on order. Would be locally developed based on Indonesian requirements as the Trisula-U air defense system.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Kementerian Pertahanan Republik Indonesia |url=https://www.kemhan.go.id/2022/11/07/disaksikan-menhan-prabowo-di-indo-defence-2022-ri-dan-turki-teken-sejumlah-kontrak-kerja-sama.html |access-date=2025-12-24 |website=www.kemhan.go.id}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Perdana |first=Gilang |date=2022-12-08 |title=Trisula Air Defence System - Sistem Hanud Rudal 'Cita Rasa' Indonesia, Integrasikan Teknologi Turki dan Ceko |url=https://www.indomiliter.com/trisula-air-defence-system-sistem-hanud-rudal-cita-rasa-indonesia-integrasikan-teknologi-turki-dan-ceko/ |access-date=2025-12-24 |website=Indomiliter.com |language=en-US}}</ref>
== See also== * Hisar * Patriot * SAMP/T * HQ-9 * HQ-22 * Khordad 15 (air defense system) * Barak 8 * Bavar-373 * L-SAM * Aselsan EIRS - Radar of the Siper Block 1
== References == {{reflist}}
{{DEFAULTSORT:SIPER}} Category:Surface-to-air missiles of Turkey Category:21st-century surface-to-air missiles Category:Weapons and ammunition introduced in 2022 Category:Military equipment introduced in the 2020s Category:Roketsan products Category:Aselsan products