Turkish military successfully conducts HAWK missile system training exercises

SINOP, TÜRKİYE-MAY 31:The Turkish Ministry of National Defense (MSB) announced on Saturday, May 31, that the country’s armed forces had successfully carried out training exercises with the HAWK surface-to-air missile system at the Sinop Test Center. In a statement posted on its official social media account, the ministry confirmed that the drills were conducted safely and effectively by the 15th Air and Missile Defense Base HAWK Group Command, a unit under the Turkish Air Force Command. The exercises, aimed at enhancing operational readiness, included live-fire tests, with footage released by the ministry showcasing the missile system in action. The HAWK (Homing All the Way Killer) MIM-23 is a U.S.-made, all-weather, medium-range air defense system developed by Raytheon. First introduced in the 1960s, the system was designed to counter aerial threats during the Cold War and has since undergone multiple upgrades to maintain its effectiveness. The Improved HAWK (I-HAWK) variant features advanced radar, missile guidance, and command systems, allowing it to engage modern aircraft, drones, and certain ballistic missiles. (Footage by Turkish Defense Ministry/Anadolu Agency via Getty Images)