1. SIPER Achieves Serial Production and Initial Deliveries
Türkiye’s domestically developed SIPER long-range surface-to-air missile (SAM) system has moved into serial production as of late 2023, with deliveries now underway to the Turkish Armed Forces . The contract signed on December 15, 2023, between Aselsan, Roketsan, TÜBİTAK SAGE and the Ministry of Defence Industry, commits to fielding SIPER Block‑1 and other air defence systems between 2025 and 2029 . Block‑1 officially entered service in October 2024 and has since completed over 100 firing trials .
2. Operational Capability: Safeguarding the “Steel Dome”
Designed to bolster Türkiye’s “Steel Dome” layered air defence architecture, SIPER Block‑1 can engage multiple aerial threats—including aircraft, cruise missiles, air-to-ground munitions, and UAVs—at ranges exceeding 100 km and altitudes over 20 km . The system integrates advanced active-radar seekers, AI-supported multi-radar and multi-target tracking, vertical and oblique launching, and command‑and‑control systems for real‑time coordination .
3. Roadmap to 400 km: Block‑2 and Block‑3 Evolution
The SIPER family is advancing quickly:
Block‑2: Featuring a new single‑stage rocket motor, it extends range to approximately 150 km. The first successful firing test occurred in August 2023, followed by initial fielding slated for 2024–25 . Block‑2 is undergoing near-final deployment preparations .
Block‑3: Currently in development, Block‑3 is expected to break the 180 km barrier and potentially reach roughly 400 km by around 2028. It is being designed to counter ballistic missiles, aligning SIPER with high-end international peers like Russia’s S‑400 and the U.S. Patriot .
4. Pakistan’s Interest: Diversifying from China
Analysts suggest SIPER is now being evaluated by Islamabad as a viable alternative . Turkey and Pakistan have a long-standing defence cooperation background, and Pakistani officials are understood to be exploring full licensed production of the system locally.
5. Implications and Future Outlook
Strategic Leverage: For Türkiye, SIPER signals a maturing defence industry capable of competing with global leaders and supporting national security autonomy .
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Regional Balance: If acquired by Pakistan, SIPER would reshape South Asia’s aerial defence dynamics, especially amid India’s expansion of its own systems like S‑400 and Akash .
Export Ambitions: SIPER’s modularity, long-range engagement, and C4ISR integration make it an attractive system for NATO-oriented buyers and collaborative projects such as the European Sky Shield Initiative, in which Turkey participates .
Looking ahead, SIPER Block‑2’s imminent fielding and Block‑3’s projected 400 km reach could mark a turning point for Turkey’s system as it competes alongside S‑400, Patriot and other high-end systems in both performance and geopolitical export potential.
Summary
Block‑1: >100 km range, operational since Oct 2024.
Block‑2: ~150 km range, fielding in progress.
Block‑3: Aims for 180–400 km by ~2028.
Pakistan: Actively evaluating acquisition and local production.
The SIPER’s progression not only enhances Türkiye’s national defence but could also diversify and elevate Pakistan’s aerial defence capabilities—an evolving story to watch in geopolitical and defence markets.