Turkey’s ‘Lightning’ Missile Raises India Alarm

New Delhi:
Turkey has triggered fresh geopolitical concerns after unveiling a powerful long-range ballistic missile reportedly capable of striking the entire Indian mainland. The missile, named “Yildirimhan” — meaning “Lightning” — was presented during the SAHA 2026 Defence and Aerospace Expo in Istanbul, drawing sharp attention from global defence observers.

According to reports published by The Sunday Guardian, Turkish authorities claimed the missile can carry a 3-ton nuclear or conventional payload and travel at an astonishing speed of Mach 25, nearly twenty-five times the speed of sound. If operational claims prove accurate, the first test launch could reportedly take place before the end of 2026.

The development is being viewed as more than a routine defence upgrade. Strategic experts believe the missile’s massive strike radius places Europe, West Asia, Africa and the entire Indian territory within Turkey’s reach, intensifying concerns in New Delhi over Ankara’s evolving military ambitions.

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Turkey already possesses the “Tayfun” missile system, which is capable of targeting regional rivals including Greece, Cyprus, Israel, Egypt, Armenia and Iran. Defence analysts are therefore questioning why Ankara now requires an intercontinental-level missile platform with significantly longer range capabilities.

BREAKING — Turkey unveils intercontinental ballistic missile Yildirimhan with 6,000KM range during SAHA arms expo.

Developed by Turkish Defense Ministry pic.twitter.com/JyEJ95t9X2

— Ragıp Soylu (@ragipsoylu) May 5, 2026

Security experts argue that the missile’s operational geography raises uncomfortable questions. Since Turkey is a NATO member and unlikely to independently challenge Russia, analysts believe the strategic purpose of the new system may extend toward South Asia, particularly India.

Former military analyst Lt Col (Retd.) J.S. Sodhi stated that Turkey may not directly attack India, but could use such military capability as a strategic shield for Pakistan in the event of future India-Pakistan conflict escalation.

Turkey President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan has repeatedly backed Pakistan on the Kashmir issue at international forums. His increasing Islamist positioning and attempts to project leadership across the Muslim world have already strained Ankara’s relations with New Delhi.

The emergence of the “Yildirimhan” missile now adds a dangerous military dimension to those tensions, with Indian strategic circles closely monitoring Turkey’s next moves.