Under the leadership of Ataturk, Turkiye began manufacturing aircraft in the 1920s. By the 1940s, Turkiye had a flourishing array of indigenous aircraft designs. Unfortunately, the arrival of the 1950s spelled the end of the Turkish aviation industry. The Marshall Plan and the admission into NATO caused irreparable harm to the progression of local aircraft programs and the Turkish defence industry at the time. All progress was gone. It was only in the 1970s that the Turkish defence industry restarted due to arms embargoes. Since then, each decade has been full of steady progress. In preparation for the hundredth year of the Republic, major Turkish defence projects have been hastened. This includes four jet-powered aircraft, three of which are purpose-built combat platforms.

Turkish Aerospace TFX

The TFX is a 5+ generation twin-engine stealth air superiority fighter that will eventually replace the F-16 as Turkiye’s primary fighter jet. Originally intended to accompany the F-35 in order to make up for the F-35’s drawbacks, the TFX is shaping up to be an F-22 on steroids. Preliminary specifications suggest that it may outperform both the F-22 and F-35, which is not surprising as the TFX will likely serve as the basis for a 6th gen fighter further down the line. The TFX is the largest of all 5th gen fighters, with a length of 21 metres. Its engine nozzles are wide apart in order to accommodate a sizeable rear-facing sensor package. This almost SU-57-like rear end is perhaps the most notable difference between the prototype and the concept mock-up. The TFX’s first flight has been pushed back from 2025 to 2023.

“The first flight was planned for 2025. Instead, it will fly at the end of 2023.”

CEO of Turkish Aerospace, Temel kotil

The TFX has a much larger nose than its rivals, which has led to speculations about its radar. Some have dubbed it a “stealth AWACS” due to the large radar housing, which could host 2000+ GaN T/R modules. Along with side and rear radar and a slew of other sensors, the TFX’s enormous frontal radar will give it an immense advantage in air-to-air combat.

Turkish Aerospace TİSU

The TİSU, codenamed Anka III, is perhaps one of the most elusive programs in the Turkish defence industry. Spotted years ago in an infographic, it was only officially revealed recently. It is an unmanned stealth flying-wing bomber.

Its flying-wing design and roof intakes mean that it is optimised for deep bombing missions. It prioritises stealth and internal payload capacity over manoeuvrability and speed.

With the advent of the KERKES project, Turkish drones can operate in GPS-denied airspace. This is important for the TİSU, as it can fulfil its role even against a force with advanced jamming capabilities. This would include predetermined high-value targets such as bunkers, command centres, hangars, ammunition depots and runways, along with dynamic targets such as tanks and air defence systems, which the AI could autonomously target.

The TİSU is expected to perform its first flight in March-April.

Baykar Kızılelma

Baykar’s Kizilelma is the first of its kind. This sleek aircraft bridges the gap between traditional fixed-wing drones and fighter aircraft. Once ready, it will be a carrier-capable stealth multirole unmanned fighter. Its design is geared towards high maneuverability with its canards, a departure from all other UCAVs. It’s clear that Baykar is betting big on AI with the Kizilelma, and it may just pay off in the end.

Having made its first flight on December 14, the Kizilelma represents not only a milestone for Baykar, but also a giant leap forward for the Turkish defence industry. Its maiden flight represents the dawn of the jet age for the Turkish military aviation industry.

The Kizilelma is expected to enter the inventory before 2025, essentially acting as a stop-gap fighter before the introduction of the TFX. Like the infamous TB2, the Kizilelma is a far cheaper alternative to manned combat aircraft. It offers some 5th gen fighter capabilities at a price lower than most 4th gen fighters. This presents a budget option for smaller militaries. More interestingly, it is a highly economical force multiplier for serious militaries. It can be unleashed upon an enemy airforce and act as a “sky terminator” which relentlessly hunts down enemy fighter jets in contested airspace. Such an attack by a group of Kizilelmas would send enemy fighters into disarray. Alternatively, the Kizilelma could be used for targeting helicopters, AEW&C, cargo planes and drones, allowing manned 5th gen fighters to focus on other fighter jets.

Conclusion

Turkish military aviation is advancing at a pace reminiscent of US-USSR aerospace competition in the Cold War. The sanctions, embargoes and removal from the F-35 program have only strengthened Turkiye’s defence industry. Thus it can be said that the Anti-Turkish lobbyists in Washington have shot themselves in the foot.

The post The sudden emergence of Turkiye’s jet-powered combat aircraft first appeared on DefenceHub.

Revealed at SAHA Expo 2022, the RUAV-724 has some surprisingly impressive specifications and innovative features.

Powered by a turbojet engine, the sleek, cruise missile-like RUAV-724 can travel at a maximum speed of 1,000 km/h. This is significantly faster than current autonomous delivery vehicles and slightly faster than most cargo jets. It will have a cargo capacity of 150 kg. This makes it ideal for the rapid delivery of critical components or weapons. Its range is up to 2,500 km, meaning that it would be capable of resupplying missions deep into contested territory.

The RUAV-724 is capable of vertical take-off with an added booster. This enables deliveries to be dispatched from within tight spaces, such as city streets or naval vessels. This is similar to many kamikaze drones, which use a booster to take off before switching to their main engine. Sortie Cargo has emphasised that the RUAV-724 has an advanced braking system which eliminates the need for a long landing strip.

One of the key features of the RUAV-724 is that it can drop cargo with a parachute. This is a game changer for the resupply of special forces units that are deep in enemy territory or troops who need to be resupplied in rugged terrain. Due to the relatively low cost and the fact that there is no risk of losing pilots, this aircraft is perfect for light cargo delivery in dangerous airspace. It also opens up the possibility for new tactics. For instance, infiltration teams can enter hostile territory without weapons or other gear. When the time comes, they can be quickly and safely supplied by airdrops from the RUAV-724.

All in all, the RUAV-724 is an innovative concept. It combines the speed and appearance of a cruise missile with the reusability and autonomous features of a UAV, yet it functions as a small cargo aircraft. Italy has already signed a contract. The smaller Sortie Cargo RUAV-A has been successfully tested. Meanwhile, Turkey plans to host flight tests of the 6-metre RUAV-724 later in the year.

The post The RUAV-724 is a fascinating fast autonomous cargo concept first appeared on DefenceHub.

The footage appears to show the Akinci-B, a more powerful model with two 750 hp engines. These are the first Akinci-Bs to enter the inventory. An even more powerful variant, with two 950 hp engines will be introduced further down the track.

Unlike the famed TB2, the Akinci has much bigger targets in mind. The Akinci is capable of carrying large bombs such as precision-guided variants of Mk-84, Mk-83 and Mk-82s, including SARB-83 and NEB-84 bunker busters. Furthermore, it is the first drone configured to launch cruise missiles. This essentially means that it is the first drone that poses a serious threat to naval ships. Akinci’s heavy attack capabilities mean that F-16 strikes will no longer be necessary for Turkey’s fight against PKK terrorism. It also means that Azerbaijan will not need to risk its SU-25s if fighting breaks out again, as Akinci drones can target bunkers which TB2s can’t.

Baykar has two more major UCAV projects already in the pipeline. The TB3, which often goes under the radar, will be a carrier-capable evolution of the TB2, with a higher payload and collapsable wings. It is overshadowed by the Kizilelma (golden apple in Old Turkic). The Kizilelma is a carrier-capable, high-subsonic/supersonic, highly maneuverable, low-observable UCAV that is being built from the ground up to be a capable air-to-air fighter. The Kizilelma, will not only propel the Turkish Air Force into the 5th gen fighter realm, but it will be the first drone of its type in the entire world.

The post Three More Akinci UCAVs Enter Turkish Air Force Inventory first appeared on DefenceHub.

A similar panel arrangement was seen in concept photos. Upon close inspection, serrated indentations appear to surround the nose and all panel openings throughout the aircraft. Indicating a strong emphasis on a low RCS. These serrations are featured on all modern stealth aircraft including the F35, B2 and J20. A Zinc-Chromate coating is clearly visible through the frontal panels, suggesting that this will be a working prototype once complete.

The Kizilelma, unlike other drones, is optimized for air-to-air combat. Not only does it feature a stealthy airframe and AESA radar, but it is also going to be highly manoeuvrable. Later models will be supersonic. It will essentially be an AI-driven, unmanned fighter jet, capable of multi-role missions.

The post Turkey’s Fighter Drone Under Construction first appeared on DefenceHub.

The agreement includes the construction of a new facility. Production, maintenance and repairs will all be conducted locally. This marks the first production base for the Anka outside of Turkey. “Thanks to this agreement, we will contribute to strengthening our commercial and friendship ties with the friendly and brotherly country of Kazakhstan,” said Turkish Aerospace CEO Temel Kotil.

About the Anka

The Turkish Aerospace Anka is a medium-altitude long-endurance (MALE) UAV. Its configurations vary. Options include SATCOM, SIGINT/ELINT, SAR/ISAR, among others. It can be armed with micro-munitions, anti-tank and anti-personnel rockets such as Roketsan’s Cirit. Flight endurance is up to 30 hours depending on the configuration.

The post Kazakhstan to Locally Produce Anka Drones first appeared on DefenceHub.

Drones saw action in reconnaissance missions for many decades. The first time a drone targeted combatants was in the early 2000s when the USA deployed MQ-1 Predator drones in Afghanistan and Yemen. Since then, drones have been relegated to low-intensity, counterinsurgency conflicts, as they were deemed too vulnerable to be used effectively in conventional warfare. However, in 2020 everything changed.

Turkey’s use of Anka and TB2 UCAVs to target PKK paid off. The experience gained from these missions carved a new doctrine. Unleashed upon Assad’s military in early 2020, this new way of war was unprecedently effective. Soon after in Libya, they turned the tide against Haftar’s advance. The most notable use of drones, however, was in the 2020 Nagorno-Karabakh conflict. For the first time in history, drones decimated a myriad of assets. Such as tanks, trucks, AFVs, SPGs, MLRS and even anti-air systems, not to mention thousands of troops. A decades-old stalemate came to an end. But more importantly, a new era dawned.

2020’s events didn’t just prove the effectiveness of drones and the importance of having countermeasures against them. The implications are much broader. The drone onslaught was a small glimpse of the future, where unmanned systems will reign supreme.

Trends

All problems have a solution. Military vehicles have come a long way in the past 100 years. With each decade, survivability, fire-power and target acquisition capabilities have steadily increased. Traditionally, when weaknesses were found, improvements were swiftly introduced. However, we have come to a point where protection and countermeasures are losing the battle against weapons. The solution in modern warfare is to go unmanned.

The following are three types of vehicles that are facing a troubled future. Costs, vulnerability and loss of valuable crew such as pilots, are among the biggest issues. If protection and countermeasures can’t outperform the weapons they face, the best solution is to allow the vehicle to operate remotely or autonomously; eliminating the need to overspend on armour, countermeasures, augmented reality helmets, etc.

Tanks

No, contrary to what some military analysts say, tanks are not on their way out. They are simply in a tough spot. ATGMs and drone-launched laser-guided munitions punch through tanks with ease. ERA and APS can provide some protection, but they are far from perfect solutions. Unless revolutionary advances in armour technology occur, tanks will be less of a priority for militaries due to their high cost and newfound vulnerabilities. The firepower they possess is effective and cheap, but their armour is neither.

Unmanned tanks and UCGVs

Less expensive and also sacrificable, any direct fire AFV which isn’t designed to carry troops is better off being unmanned. Whether converted from existing tanks or IFVs, or brand new platforms, they are a cost-effective solution. Less armour and crew protection features not only saves money, but it also means range and round capacity can be much higher. The biggest reason for hesitance facing the proliferation of UGVs has been the fear of jamming and losing contact. A combination of good AI (for autonomous function[extremely important]), satellite control and anti-jamming, can alleviate these concerns.

Notable examples:

• Uran-9
• Shturm (Project Storm[converted T-72])
• FNSS Shadow Rider (converted M113)

Attack Helicopters

Attack helicopters do a great job at providing close air support. But they are incredibly vulnerable in conventional warfare. To make matters worse, the prevalence of MANPADS means that any group of soldiers or insurgents can be a threat to helicopters. Helicopters often use terrain to stay hidden from radar. This is one of their greatest advantages. However, it also illustrates why they’re so easily shot down. Even the most well-armoured attack helicopters can be taken down with well-placed machinegun fire. The low flight altitude also makes them susceptible to wire-guided missile attacks. Attack helicopter shootdowns are almost always fatal, as pilots cannot eject.

Unmanned VTOL combat aircraft

These could be large armed quadcopters or simply crewless attack helicopters. Regardless, they would prove to be excellent CAS aircraft. Yes, they would be just as vulnerable as traditional attack helicopters, but they are also significantly more expendable. The lack of pilots incentivizes using them in dangerous airspace. One of the greatest advantages of rotary-wing aircraft is their ability to hover in one place. For this reason, helicopters are preferred when clearing an area of all remaining enemies is the objective. If unmanned, they can essentially operate with impunity. Consequently, the percentage of successful missions will be superior to that of their manned counterparts.

Notable examples:

• T629 unmanned
• AV500W

Conventional naval surface vessels

Surface fleets of large displacement vessels will be around for a long time; Modern warships equipped with advanced sensors and missiles are much more potent than their predecessors. Capable of monitoring and protecting large radiuses of open water, destroyers, frigates and other large vessel types are indispensable. However, there is a big problem. Anti-ship missiles are becoming more and more common, yet also more capable. A single strike could spell disaster for any ship. CIWS and other countermeasures don’t provide guaranteed insurance against modern anti-ship missiles. Hundreds of millions, if not billions of dollars worth of hardware can sink to the depths of the ocean in the blink of an eye.

Unmanned VTOL combat aircraft

As the costs and vulnerability of large warships rise, some navies are already supplementing their fleet with smaller combat vessels. Missile boats have been around for quite some time. Problem? Traditional missile boats are best suited for coastal defence. However, change may be on the horizon. Small (7-20 meter) armed unmanned surface vessels capable of sinking ships will not only be a common sight in future navies but will also likely spur the arrival of large vessels purpose-built to carry and command them. Meaning the open ocean isn’t out of bounds. Sophisticated networks linking naval, air and space assets are a top priority for today’s militaries, allowing AUSVs to fire missiles or torpedoes at targets identified and tracked by other assets. Cheap, difficult to detect and hit, heavily armed and crewless. It’s easy to see why AUSVs are the way forward. They are the perfect naval force multiplier.

Notable examples:

• ULAQ
• RD09 anti-surface
• NB57 anti-submarine

The real game-changer: Autonomous combat vehicles; Rise of the machines?​

The average person doesn’t think much about drone software. But just like a human’s brain, a drone’s software is crucial to its function. Many UAVs can fly autonomously and even return by themselves if the connection is lost. But what about full autonomy? The capability to find, track and neutralize targets without human intervention? Far fetched? Think again. A UN report claims that the first autonomous attack on a combatant occurred in Libya last year. A Kargu-2 attack drone autonomously identified and attacked a high-value target. Many have labelled it the “first robot-on-human kill”, which is technically correct. However, this shouldn’t cause concern, as it did what it was programmed to do. We are far away from seeing Skynet become a reality. Once AI is good enough, land, air and sea drones will essentially operate as autonomous killer robots (which again, only does what its programming permits). Sophisticated artificial intelligence can make them superior machines which outclass humans in all aspects. Eliminating the need for pilots, drivers, and gunners.

Activists have called for the ban of autonomous combat vehicles. But no military is ignorant enough to handicap themselves. Failing to invest in this sector will have major repercussions in a few decades. The outcome of future wars could be decided by who’s drones are smarter.

The post Three simple examples of why unmanned combat vehicles will be increasingly popular first appeared on DefenceHub.