Roketsan, in cooperation with Aselsan and the TÜBİTAK SAGE research institute, has successfully executed a live-fire test of its SİPER-2 long-range surface-to-air missile (SAM) system at the Sinop Test Range. According to statements released in June 2026, the SİPER-2 missile successfully engaged and neutralized a target Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV) from the Banshee series. Operational footage released by electronics manufacturer Aselsan shows the high-altitude interceptor being vertically hot-launched from its standard transport-erector-launcher canister, initiating a rapid pitch maneuver mid-air to track and hit the target drone while it was performing evasive maneuvers.
The successful engagement underscores a shifting design paradigm from the earlier SİPER-1 configuration, moving from a two-stage booster system toward a substantially larger, high-thrust mono-block design. This optimized single-stage rocket engine architecture allows the SİPER-2 to achieve an operational altitude exceeding 30 km and a maximum engagement range of more than 150 km, which can be further augmented through planned structural boosters. To secure terminal guidance at these extended ranges, the missile integrates an upgraded, large-aperture Radio Frequency (RF) seeker derived from Aselsan’s AGRAS SA series, providing robust resistance against electronic countermeasures while closing on low-radar-cross-section air-breathing threats.
Sensor integration and engagement sequencing during the Sinop firing test were controlled via a localized command architecture utilizing advanced ground radar assets. The SİPER-2 was guided during the mid-course phase by Aselsan’s ALP 310-G search radar alongside the PUSAT 1000-G fire control radar, establishing real-time bidirectional data links with the interceptor to transmit kinetic updates on the maneuvering drone. System testing and verification protocols continue to be managed at Aselsan’s dedicated Robosim air defense test center, which evaluates the structural and electronic components ahead of standardized field deployments.
Under the current structural architecture established by the Turkish Presidency of Defence Industries, a standard SİPER battery consists of four Missile Launch Systems (FFS), at least two Missile Transport Loading Systems (FTYS), an UMAR/TEIRS Search Radar (AR), a Fire Control Center (AKM), a Fire Control Radar (AKR), a Fleet Control Center (FKM), and three Communication Station Vehicles (PINs). The complete network is engineered for automated multi-target, multi-radar data fusion, allowing a single fleet control unit to operate up to eight launch systems capable of firing 6 missiles each under harsh electronic conditions. While the SİPER-1 and SİPER-2 models are tailored primarily for conventional air-breathing threats, tactical planning indicates that future iterations, designated SİPER-A and SİPER-4, will feature active electronically scanned array (AESA) seekers and extreme kinetic agility to handle multi-layered ballistic missile defense.
