Full-Scale LEVENT Air Defense Missile Unveiled at DIMDEX 2024 in Qatar

Turkish missile maker Roketsan introduced its LEVENT air defense missile for the first time at Doha International Maritime Defense Fair (DIMDEX) 2024 in Qatar today.

Designed specifically for the close air defense of naval platforms, the LEVENT Missile aims to counter a variety of airborne threats, particularly anti-ship missiles. Boasting a range of 11 kilometers and a weight of 70 kilograms, the 128mm diameter missile employs a dual-mode seeker head consisting of Passive RF and Imaging Infrared Seeker (IIR) technologies.

The LEVENT Missile draws its inspiration from the SUNGUR Portable Air Defense Missile, incorporating advancements in guidance systems for enhanced precision. The missile's dual-mode seeker head utilizes an IIR Seeker on the nose, enabling temperature-based target tracking, and Passive RF antennas on the front of the nose, which receive and interpret RF waves broadcast from the target.

Turkey's move to develop the LEVENT Missile aligns with the nation's commitment to bolster its defense capabilities independently. The missile's introduction comes as Turkey faces challenges posed by longstanding embargoes imposed by the United States, particularly in relation to the RIM-116 RAM (Rolling Airframe Missile) Close Air Defense System.

Notably, Turkey has recently incorporated the U.S.-produced RIM-116 RAM system into its naval inventory, specifically deploying it on the MİLGEM ADA Class Corvettes. These corvettes, a vital component of the Turkish Naval Forces Command, are equipped with RAM systems, with launchers sourced from Germany and missiles from the USA.