Türkiye gains national air defense capability with MIDLAS integration

The Turkish navy is gaining "national air defense" capability with the National Vertical Launch System (MIDLAS).

Roketsan showcased a model demonstrating the use of MIDLAS with different missiles at the 8th Doha International Maritime Defense Exhibition and Conference (DIMDEX 2024).

Initiated in May 2020 under the Presidency of Defense Industries (SSB), the "Vertical Launch System Project" for the needs of the Turkish Naval Forces has reached its final stage.

The integration of MIDLAS, completed on Türkiye's first indigenous frigate TCG Istanbul, will soon conduct its first launch from the ship.

Following the final preparations for the firing test, MIDLAS is expected to become operational.

This will nationalize another defense industry product that creates dependency abroad, becomes difficult to procure or faces procurement challenges.

In the initial stage, the HISAR-D RF missile will provide air defense capability to Turkish Naval Forces platforms with MIDLAS. Subsequently, the SİPER Block-1, ATMACA, and other national missiles will be integrated into MIDLAS.

This will enable Turkish naval platforms to use various defense and attack munitions.

By integrating the HISAR-D RF missile into the system, Türkiye will become one of the few countries capable of using its own designed and produced ship, launcher and air defense missile.

Ongoing work is also being conducted on land-based versions for base and port protection in the future.

MIDLAS, which will be used in other ships of the I-class frigate project, has significant export potential.

Discussions are underway with countries in the Far East regarding its placement as a product in ship modernization and shipbuilding projects.

Source: Newsroom