Cirit Explained: The T129 ATAK’s 70 mm Laser-Guided Rocket

Cirit is a 70 mm (2.75-inch) laser-guided precision rocket developed by Türkiye’s Roketsan. Designed to fill the gap between unguided 70 mm rockets and expensive anti-tank guided missiles, Cirit uses semi-active laser guidance to strike fixed and moving targets accurately at ranges up to 8 km. The munition of helicopters — above all the T129 ATAK attack helicopter — as well as light platforms and land and naval vehicles, Cirit is in Turkish Armed Forces service and has been exported to many countries. This dossier compiles Cirit’s host platforms, exports, technical specifications and significance from open sources.

70 mm

Laser-guided rocket

≈8 km

Range

T129 ATAK

Main platform

Roketsan

Manufacturer

Contents: Tap each heading to expand or collapse — what Cirit is, why it matters, host platforms, exports, specs and FAQ.

What is Cirit?

Cirit is a precision munition combining the low cost of classic unguided rockets with the accuracy of guided missiles. Its 70 mm caliber makes it compatible with existing rocket launchers, while it homes precisely on a laser-designated target.

This concept is decisive especially in missions with many point targets: an attack helicopter can save expensive anti-tank missiles for large targets while economically using Cirit against light armor, positions and personnel.

Why it matters: the cost-accuracy balance

In modern combat, unguided rockets are not accurate enough, while anti-tank guided missiles are too expensive for many small targets. Cirit offers an ideal middle ground, giving units a cost-effective precision-strike option.

Because a single platform can carry many Cirit, multiple targets can be economically neutralized in one mission — providing operational flexibility especially against asymmetric threats and low-intensity conflicts.

Which platforms use it?

Cirit has been integrated onto a wide range of platforms, above all the T129 ATAK attack helicopter. Besides helicopters, it can be used on light attack aircraft, land vehicles and naval platforms.

Platform	Use
T129 ATAK	Main strike munition
Other helicopters	Integration (e.g. AH-1 class)
Land vehicles	Light armored/tactical vehicle integration
Naval platforms	Asymmetric-threat defense on fast boats and ships

Exports and production

Cirit became one of the Turkish defense industry’s leading export munitions. Roketsan has exported Cirit to many countries; the munition found a place in the international market together with the T129 ATAK and other platforms.

With high output, Cirit can meet the continuous needs of both the Turkish military and export customers — a sign of Roketsan’s serial-production capacity and maturity in guided munitions.

Roketsan Cirit roketi yakin plan — Roketsan Cirit roketi. Kaynak: Wikimedia Commons (CC).

Technical specifications

Feature	Value
Class	70 mm laser-guided precision rocket
Caliber	70 mm (2.75 in)
Range	≈8 km
Guidance	Semi-active laser
Targets	Fixed/moving land targets, light armor, personnel
Platform	Helicopters, light aircraft, land/naval vehicles
Manufacturer	Roketsan

Manufacturer and significance for Türkiye

Cirit is produced by Roketsan. It is one of the early, successful examples of Türkiye’s competence in guided munitions; meeting the need for low-cost precision strike through domestic production, it significantly increases the effectiveness of attack helicopters.

Indigenous munitions reduce the Turkish military’s external dependence and add value in exports. Together with the MAM family and other Roketsan products, Cirit is part of a broad ecosystem giving Turkish platforms an indigenous munition option for every mission type.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Cirit?

Cirit is a 70 mm semi-active laser-guided precision rocket developed by Roketsan.

What is Cirit’s range?

Cirit has a range of about 8 km.

Which platforms use Cirit?

Helicopters led by the T129 ATAK, as well as light aircraft, land vehicles and naval platforms.

Why does Cirit matter?

It combines the low cost of unguided rockets with the accuracy of guided missiles, offering a cost-effective precision-strike option.

Has Cirit been exported?

Yes; Cirit is one of the Turkish defense industry’s leading export munitions.

Who makes Cirit?

Cirit is produced by Roketsan.

Sources

Cirit’s development made Türkiye one of the early movers in guided munitions. Compatible with existing rocket infrastructure, this 70 mm laser-guided rocket let users gain a precision-strike capability without large investments — making it attractive for both cost and ease of integration and helping it reach a wide user base.

For attack helicopters, Cirit is a munition that fundamentally changes mission economics. Saving expensive anti-tank missiles for high-value armored targets while striking many low-value targets with affordable Cirit lets a helicopter affect far more targets in a single mission, markedly increasing operational efficiency.

The accuracy of laser guidance is critical in missions where collateral damage must be minimized. In operations near populated areas or targets close to friendly forces, Cirit’s point accuracy increases mission success while reducing the risk of unwanted casualties — meeting the precision requirement that modern combat increasingly values.

Cirit’s integration onto land and naval platforms shows the munition’s versatility. Especially for fast boats and ships, Cirit offers a cost-effective defense against asymmetric threats (small attack boats, unmanned surface vehicles), making it a flexible system usable not only from the air but from the surface.

Roketsan’s high production capacity lets Cirit meet both domestic and export demand. Because serial production of guided munitions requires precise engineering and quality control, this capacity is also a sign of the Turkish defense industry’s maturity, while ensuring an unbroken supply chain in times of crisis.

Cirit’s export success also strengthens the international position of platforms like the T129 ATAK. Because buyer nations can source the helicopter and its compatible munition from a single source, Türkiye stands out as a supplier offering an integrated solution — the basis for long-term training, logistics and sustainment relationships.

Indigenous munition production is a critical gain for strategic autonomy. Because export or usage restrictions a foreign maker might impose do not apply to Cirit, Türkiye can produce, upgrade and export the munition freely — an important advantage for both operational independence and defense diplomacy.

Cirit should be seen as part of Roketsan’s broad munition ecosystem. Together with the MAM family, L-UMTAS, OMTAS and heavier systems, Cirit gives Turkish platforms an indigenous munition option for every range and target type — a breadth that provides cost and logistics advantages by offering an integrated range from a single supplier.

In short, Cirit is one of the symbolic products of the Turkish defense industry’s success in precision munitions, despite its modest size and cost. With a wide use spanning attack helicopters to naval platforms and strong export performance, Cirit stands as a lasting example of the maturity and reach of national munition capability.