| Is Missile: | yes |
| Merlin (Bozdoğan) | |
| Origin: | Turkey |
| Type: | Short-range air-to-air missile |
| Used By: | Turkish Air Force |
| Manufacturer: | TÜBİTAK SAGE |
| Service: | 2024 |
| Engine: | Solid-fuel rocket |
| Weight: | 140 kg |
| Speed: | Mach 4 |
| Vehicle Range: | Around 25 km |
| Filling: | Fragmentation warhead |
| Guidance: | High resolution infrared homing |
| Launch Platform: | F-16, JF-17, TAI TF Kaan, TAI Hürjet |
The Merlin, also known as Bozdoğan, is a short-range air-to-air missile developed by the Turkish company TÜBİTAK SAGE. The missile is developed from the GÖKTUĞ program. The missile uses an off-boresight capable IIR (Imaging infrared) seeker with all aspect engagement capability and counter-countermeasure capability.[1] [2] The missile has High thrust reduced smoke solid propellant technology and an electronic rocket motor aiming and firing system. According to the manufacturer, it will has advanced agility due to use of thrust vectoring, a unique warhead for maximum probability of kill and a reliable fuze. It missile is compatible with MIL-STD-1553 and MIL-STD-1760 and is designed for use with the LAU-129 guided missile launcher.[1]
On 14 April 2021, Merlin conducted a live firing test from a Turkish Air Force F-16. The missile successfully destroyed a TAI Şimşek target drone.[3] Merlin reaches a speed of greater than Mach 4.[4]