Sungur is a fifth-generation^[1] man-portable air-defense system (MANPADS) designed for short-range air defense of mobile/fixed units and facilities on the battlefield and in the rear area man-portable air-defense system (MANPADS). Developed by Roketsan, it is the country's first ever Man-Portable Air Defence System (MANPADS). Entering service with the Turkish Armed Forces in July 2022, Sungur is set to replace the existing Stinger missile systems.^[2]

The Sungur project began in 2013 with a contract signed between the Turkish Ministry of National Defense and Roketsan to fulfill the requirements of the Turkish Land Forces Command. After successful development and testing phases, the system achieved initial operational capability in July 2020. The first batch of the vehicle-mounted Sungur variant was delivered in the second half of 2021.^[1]

Sungur is a fifth-generation MANPADS designed for short-range air defence. It offers a "fire-and-forget" capability and can be integrated with various platforms, including:^[3][1]

• Shoulder-launched (MANPADS)
• Land vehicles (VURAN 4x4 armoured vehicle)
• Naval platforms
• Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs)

The system boasts a 360-degree target detection and tracking capability and features a user-friendly interface for operators.^[4]

• System Specifications
  • Longest Range in its Class (8 km)
  • Lock-on Before Launch via Imaging Infrared Seeker
  • High-Explosive Partial Piercing Warhead and Direct Attack
  • Minimum Flight Time
  • Platform Integration (Land, Naval, UAV)
  • User-Friendly Solution with Viewing and Tracking Screen
  • Easy Target Acquisition and Launch (Voice and Symbology Instructions)
  • Asymmetric Battle Capability
  • Integration with Air Defence Early Warning Command and Control System (HERIKKS-6)
  • Identification Friend or Foe (IFF) Equipment (Upgradeable)
• Technical Specifications
  • Performance
    • Maximum Range: 8 km
    • Minimum Range: 500 m
    • Altitude: Up to 4 km (sea level)
    • Target Types: Fixed-Wing Aircraft, Unmanned Rotary-Wing Aircraft (UAV)
  • Operation Mode: Lock-On Before Launch (Fire-And-Forget)
  • Seeker
    • Lock-on Before Launch
    • Resistant to Countermeasures
    • Automatic Target Tracking
    • ±40 Degree Visual Angle
  • Warhead
    • High Explosive, Semi Armor Piercing Warhead
    • Programmable Impact Fuze
    • Insensitive Munition (Type 4)
  • Engine
    • Launch Engine (Separation in Launch Tube - Insensitive Munition, Type 4)
    • Flight Engine: Two-Stage Solid Propellant Rocket (Insensitive Munition, Type 4)
  • Guidance and Control
    • Terminal Guidance via IIR (Imaging Infra-Red)
    • High Manoeuvrability and Rapid Performance Capability
• Launch Platforms
  • Land Platforms
  • Naval Platforms
  • Unmanned Aerial Vehicles

Delivery and Testing

• The first batch of the vehicle-mounted Sungur variant was delivered in the second half of 2021.
• Live-fire testing with a successful hit against a Banshee Jet 80 target aircraft was conducted at the Sinop Test Range in July 2022.^[3]
• The MANPADS variant delivery to the Land Forces Command occurred in July 2022.^[2]
• As of March 2024, a press conference by the Ministry of National Defence confirmed successful deliveries of various quantities of the MANPADS variant to the Turkish Land Forces Command, with inspections and acceptance activities completed.^[5]

Export Potential

• As of March 8, 2024, Roketsan has begun receiving international inquiries for the Sungur MANPADS, marking Turkey's first ever export of such a system.^[6]