Tel Aviv raises concerns over Turkey’s new hypersonic missile as strategic threat to Israel

Turkish media have reported that Ankara has a new Tayfun Block-4 ballistic missile with an estimated range of about 1,500 kilometres, putting all of Israel within its direct range.

The missile, developed by state-owned defence company Roketsan, is a heavier version weighing 7.2 tonnes and measuring about 10 metres, making it larger than previous versions. It can manoeuvre during the final stage of flight, making it difficult for air defence systems to intercept, and has an estimated accuracy of less than five metres.

Estimates suggest that its speed exceeds Mach 5.5, marking a significant development that would give Turkey an entirely independent strategic strike capability without requiring US or European approval.

Although the missile’s theoretical range covers Israel, Israeli military experts are currently playing down the threat. They point to Israel’s multi-layered air defence system, including Arrow 2, Arrow 3 and David’s Sling, which was designed to counter advanced ballistic missiles such as those developed by Iran.

Experts also note that Turkey is a NATO member and a signatory to the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT), while the missile carries a conventional warhead rather than a nuclear one, limiting its destructive impact.

Analysts further view Ankara’s statements about the missile’s ability to reach Israel as part of political deterrence and psychological warfare, particularly amid deteriorating relations between the two countries.

Despite this, they say the possibility of a direct military confrontation between Turkey, a NATO member, and Israel remains limited.