SUNGUR

Overview

SUNGUR marks Turkey's achievement of domestic man-portable air defense capability, providing Turkish forces with a modern MANPADS that reduces dependence on foreign suppliers. Developed by Roketsan, Turkey's leading missile manufacturer, SUNGUR features a dual-band infrared seeker that gives it improved capability against low-observable targets, including medium and large unmanned aerial systems that may have smaller heat signatures than conventional aircraft.

Development History

Turkey's development of SUNGUR was driven by both the desire for defense self-sufficiency and the recognition that MANPADS would play an important role in countering the growing UAS threat. Roketsan began development in the 2010s, leveraging its extensive experience in missile seeker and propulsion technology. The dual-band IR seeker — operating in two infrared wavelength bands simultaneously — was a key development achievement, providing improved target discrimination and countermeasure resistance compared to single-band seekers.

Operational Concept

SUNGUR is employed by air defense teams operating at the forward edge of the battlefield, providing point defense against low-altitude air threats. Against UAS targets, the gunner is typically cued by early warning radar or visual observation. The dual-band seeker acquires the drone's infrared signature, and after lock-on confirmation, the missile is fired to autonomously intercept the target. SUNGUR can also be mounted on light vehicles using a pedestal launcher for mobile air defense operations.

Future Development

Roketsan is developing enhanced variants with improved seeker sensitivity for better performance against low-signature UAS targets, as well as a vehicle-integrated version with multiple missiles and dedicated fire control radar. Turkey's extensive experience with drone warfare — both operating and defending against UAS — provides valuable feedback for SUNGUR's continued development.