At the International Defence Industry Fair 2025 (IDEF 2025) in Istanbul, Türkiye unveiled its first indigenously developed ramjet-powered beyond visual range (BVR) air-to-air missile, known as Gökhan — surpassing 100 nautical miles in range and marking a significant leap in Türkiye’s defense technology .
Gökhan follows Türkiye’s earlier introduction of Gökbora, another solid-fuel ramjet BVR missile with similar extended reach, making it the second ramjet BVR missile revealed at IDEF 2025 with capabilities exceeding 100 nm .
How Gökhan Works: Key Technical Advances
• Ramjet propulsion, enabling sustained high supersonic flight (Mach 2+ and beyond), extending both range and maneuverability compared to traditional solid-fuel missiles .
• Bi‑directional data link, enabling mid-course retargeting and handover capabilities during flight .
• Active thrust control and cruise optimization, extending the missile’s no-escape zone and improving terminal effectiveness .
• Integration plans include current Turkish platforms such as the F‑16 and JF‑17, and future indigenous aircraft like the TAI KAAN .
Pakistan’s Stake: Strategic and Technical Gains
• Integration with JF-17 Thunder: Pakistan operates the JF-17 — compatible with Türkiye’s missile systems. Gökhan’s adaptability for JF‑17 platforms could significantly extend the combat reach and potency of Pakistan’s fleet .
• Higher no-escape zone: Ramjet technology delivers greater variable speed control, enabling interception across more challenging threat envelopes.
• Existing air‑to‑air missile cooperation: Under ongoing agreements, Pakistan’s GIDS (Global Industrial & Defence Solutions) and Türkiye’s TÜBİTAK SAGE have jointly developed long‑range missiles — Gökdoğan for Türkiye and FAAZ‑2 for Pakistan .
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• Shared technology transfer: Exposure to ramjet propulsion and advanced seekers could accelerate Pakistan’s aerospace missile capabilities, enriching its FAAZ‑2 and other next-gen programs.
• Deterrence edge: A JF‑17 equipped with Gökhan-like missiles would project a deterrent capability deeper into adversarial airspace.
• Export potential: Pakistan could emerge as a regional supplier of compatible platforms armed with joint missile systems, enhancing defense ties with friendly nations.
Türkiye’s unveiling of Gökhan at IDEF 2025 underscores its emergence as a major player in next-generation missile technology. For Pakistan, this advance offers:
Tactical upgrade paths for the JF‑17 fleet,
Collaboration opportunities to absorb cutting-edge ramjet, guidance, and data-link technologies,
Strengthened deterrence and regional strategic standing.
With continued bilateral cooperation and technology sharing, Gökhan—and its Pakistani counterparts—may herald a new era in Pakistan’s air-to-air missile capability and defense self-reliance.