At the 17th International Defense Industry Fair (IDEF) held in Istanbul in 2025, Roketsan introduced several cutting-edge weapon systems, with the spotlight on EREN, a fast, jet-powered loitering munition designed for multiple roles. Anticipated by defense experts for its capability to target both aerial and ground threats, EREN’s official reveal confirmed its dual-purpose functionality, setting it apart in the evolving landscape of loitering weapons.
Weighing just 35 kilograms and capable of reaching targets beyond 100 kilometers, EREN boasts a flight endurance exceeding 15 minutes and employs an optical seeker for precise terminal guidance. Instead of focusing on extended loiter time, the system emphasizes speed and the ability to strike at the most effective moment, thereby enhancing operational adaptability. It can be deployed from a broad range of platforms including armed drones, helicopters, land vehicles, naval vessels, and stationary ground systems, ensuring flexibility across diverse mission environments.
Compared to heavier anti-tank systems like UMTAS, EREN’s lighter weight offers mobile forces a valuable tool for both offensive long-range strikes and defensive counter-drone operations. Its versatile design allows engagement of slow-moving aerial threats such as drones as well as a wide array of ground targets, from armored vehicles to personnel, effectively bridging the gap between attack and defense capabilities. This reduces logistical complexity while broadening tactical options on the battlefield.
The integration of EREN into Turkey’s armed forces signals a strategic alignment with the shifting dynamics of modern warfare, where low-flying aerial threats and agile combat units demand responsive and adaptable solutions. From an industrial perspective, EREN exemplifies efficient design focused on scalable effects, logistical ease, and multi-mission utility. Its export potential is promising, appealing to militaries seeking compact, cost-effective systems adaptable to hybrid and asymmetric warfare environments.
Beyond EREN, Roketsan’s presence at IDEF 2025 was highlighted by the debut of five other advanced systems: Tayfun Block-4, Turkey’s first hypersonic missile; Gökbora, a beyond-visual-range air-to-air missile; AKATA, a capsule-launched submarine missile; the 300 ER air-launched ballistic missile; and Şimşek-2, a space launch vehicle. Collectively, these innovations demonstrate Roketsan’s commitment to strengthening Turkey’s defense technology independence across multiple domains, from terrestrial theaters to space.
EREN embodies the future of loitering munitions, merging technological sophistication with tactical versatility and cross-domain operability. Developed by a key player in Turkey’s defense industry, it represents the next generation of hybrid weapons capable of addressing simultaneous threats on modern battlefields. The anticipated widespread adoption of such systems—both domestically and internationally—reflects shifting defense doctrines and the increasing significance of multifunctional tactical munitions in future conflicts.
