Turkiye Fires Aselsan Tolun Guided Munition From F-16
Turkiye’s defence firm Aselsan has successfully completed the first live air-to-surface firing of its Tolun precision-guided munition from a Turkish Air Force F-16 fighter jet, marking a key step in expanding the weapon’s operational use beyond drones and ground trials. The test was announced by Aselsan on December 27, 2025 with video released showing the weapon’s release, flight and impact on a fortified surface target.
The Tolun guided munition separated cleanly from the underwing pylon, deployed control surfaces and guided itself to the target using its integrated GPS and inertial navigation suite. Mid-flight trajectory corrections seen in the footage suggest its navigation systems were fully engaged and effective against simulated countermeasures.
Weapon System Details
Tolun is a precision-guided bunker-busting munition weighing about 136 kilograms with a hardened shaped charge warhead capable of penetrating reinforced concrete before detonation. It uses GPS/INS guidance and a CRPA anti-jam antenna to resist electronic interference. The system’s accuracy is reported with a circular error probable of under 10 meters, suitable for precise strikes against hardened targets.
When launched from fighter jets at altitude, Tolun’s effective range extends up to roughly 102 km, with shorter ranges from unmanned platforms. The folding wing design helps extend glide range while keeping the weapon compact enough for multiple carriage configurations.
Broader Program and Integration
The Tolun family was first unveiled in 2021 and has been undergoing incremental testing and integration since. Early tests focused on UAV platforms such as Bayraktar TB2 and AKINCI, leading to variants designed for standalone carriage on manned fighters like the F-16.
Tolun can be carried alone or in smart rack configurations enabling multiple weapons per aircraft, increasing sortie effectiveness. Earlier tests also showed its release from advanced platforms like the ANKA-III unmanned combat aerial vehicle.
Strategic Context
The successful live-fire shot from an F-16 underscores Ankara’s push for more self-reliant precision strike capabilities after years of reliance on foreign sourced munitions. Tolun joins other Turkish guided weapons such as the MAM series and reflects broader defence industrial autonomy goals.
Turkish military sources suggest initial fielding of Tolun on manned platforms could begin in 2026, with export interest from countries operating legacy F-16 fleets.
Get real time update about this post category directly on your device, subscribe now.
