Aselsan has successfully conducted the first live air-to-ground test of its Tolun precision-guided munition from a Turkish Air Force F-16, releasing official video footage that highlights the weapon’s operational maturity and Turkey’s growing self-reliance in strike capabilities.
The test, carried out at an undisclosed military range, shows Tolun separating from the F-16, transitioning smoothly into guided flight, and striking a fortified target with high accuracy. Aselsan stated that the firing confirms Tolun’s full compatibility with high-speed, manned fighter aircraft, extending its operational envelope beyond earlier trials on unmanned platforms and ground tests. Mid-course maneuvering visible in the footage indicates successful engagement of the munition’s integrated inertial and satellite navigation systems.
The Tolun program was launched in 2020 to fill a capability gap in Turkey’s ability to strike hardened targets using indigenous precision weapons. Designed as a modular 250-lb class munition, Tolun was unveiled at IDEF 2021 and initially tested with the SADAK-4T smart carriage system. Aerodynamic and structural testing was completed in 2022, followed by UAV drop trials in 2023 from MALE and HALE platforms, including Bayraktar TB2 and AKINCI.
In response to Turkish Air Force requirements, Aselsan developed the Tolun-SI variant, enabling direct integration with F-16 Block 30 and Block 40 fighters. Ground testing began in late 2023, with captive-carry and systems integration trials conducted throughout 2024 and early 2025. Full integration with the aircraft’s mission computers culminated in the successful live-fire test announced this week.
Tolun is engineered for high-penetration strikes with minimal collateral damage, featuring a 105-kg warhead with a reinforced steel nose capable of penetrating hardened structures. Measuring 1.8 meters in length and weighing around 136 kg, the munition’s compact design allows for flexible carriage configurations while delivering precision effects against fortified military targets.
