Turkey’s Roketsan Launches Neşter- a Missile with Knives Instead of Explosives

Turkey’s Roketsan unveiled a high-precision munition, Neşter (Scalpel in Turkish), at the SAHA Expo 2026 in Istanbul today which neutralizes its target by operating on the principles of kinetic impact and mechanical fragmentation instead of an explosive warhead.

In modern in urban operations, factors such as the need for precise targeting and the prevention of civilian casualties are highlighting the importance of more controlled solutions as an alternative to conventional explosive munitions.

NEŞTER (scalpel) stands out as a new concept that addresses this need. The ammunition creates a direct physical fragmentation effect on the target with cutting blades that open before the moment of impact.

Neşter is positioned as a variant of the MAM-L munition. The system features a unique mechanism that activates just before contact with the target, thanks to its proximity sensor.

Thanks to this non-explosive structure, explosion-induced spread is eliminated, environmental damage is minimized, and a pinpoint and controlled high-precision effect is achieved.

By moving at high speed towards the target and generating impact through kinetic energy, offers a "surgical strike" capability, especially against high-value targets, through its mechanical dismemberment principle.

The Scalpel, conceptually, is similar to the AGM-114R9X Hellfire munition in the US inventory. While this munition also does not carry an explosive warhead, it stands out with its principle of neutralizing the target with mechanical blades that deploy upon impact and high kinetic energy.

A new generation engagement approach.

The introduction of NEŞTER is seen as an indication of a shift towards "controlled use of force" and high-precision engagement concepts.

The system stands out for its potential for integration into various air platforms, particularly unmanned aerial vehicles.