Turkey’s defense electronics company Aselsan has confirmed the first successful live air-to-surface firing of its indigenous Tolun precision-guided munition from a Turkish Air Force F-16 fighter jet. The company released video footage showing the weapon’s clean separation, guided flight, and accurate impact, marking a major milestone in Ankara’s efforts to field domestically developed strike capabilities and reduce dependence on foreign munitions.
According to Aselsan, the test demonstrates Tolun’s full operational compatibility with manned combat aircraft, expanding its role beyond earlier trials conducted on unmanned aerial vehicles and ground-based platforms. The firing validated the munition’s navigation, guidance, and flight-control systems under high-speed fighter conditions, indicating readiness for broader integration across Turkey’s F-16 fleet.
The Tolun weapon program was launched in 2020 to address Turkey’s requirement for a locally produced, bunker-busting precision munition capable of engaging hardened targets at standoff ranges. Designed as a 250-lb class weapon, Tolun features modular integration options and was first unveiled at the IDEF 2021 defense exhibition alongside Aselsan’s SADAK-4T Smart Pneumatic Quad Rack. Subsequent testing throughout 2022 and 2023 confirmed aerodynamic performance, structural integrity, and compatibility with platforms such as the Bayraktar TB2 and AKINCI UAVs.
Tolun is optimized for low-collateral, high-penetration strikes against reinforced targets including bunkers and command facilities. The munition carries a 105-kg warhead with a hardened steel nose and shaped-charge design capable of penetrating up to one meter of reinforced concrete before detonation. With a total weight of approximately 136 kg, Tolun’s compact form factor supports multiple carriage options, reinforcing its suitability for both manned and unmanned Turkish Air Force platforms.
