The Azerbaijani Navy has adopted Turkish unmanned Salvo boats

The Azerbaijani Navy has officially adopted Turkish unmanned Salvo surface boats equipped with guided missiles. These modern combat drones were presented for the first time as part of exercises in the Caspian Sea, highlighting the new capabilities of the Azerbaijani navy.

The Salvo boats were developed by the Turkish shipyard Dearsan Shipyard together with the companies Aselsan, Roketsan and Yaltes. This project is Azerbaijan's first naval unmanned combat vehicle, which is capable of performing reconnaissance tasks, patrolling and fire support in a maritime combat situation.

The use of unmanned Salvo boats significantly expands the capabilities of the Azerbaijani Naval Forces in ensuring security and control over the maritime spaces of the Caspian Sea. Thanks to the use of guided missiles, drones can effectively fire at potential threats and increase the response to any incidents in the water area.

Turkish Molniya-100: laser shield for planes against missiles

 

The Turkish defense corporation Aselsan has successfully tested its advanced missile defense system, the Yildirim-100 (Molniya-100). The purpose of the exercises is to confirm the system's ability to neutralize the deadly threat posed by modern infrared—guided missiles, such as man-portable air defense systems (MANPADS). And, according to the manufacturer, the targets were successfully hit, and the effectiveness of the system was proven.

The situation on the battlefield has changed: cheap and affordable MANPADS have made flying transport planes, helicopters and UAVs extremely dangerous. One hit and the car is lost. Traditional methods of protection, such as infrared flashes (heat traps), no longer always work against smart missiles of the new generation. They are being replaced by directional systems, and the Yildirim—100 is just one of these advanced responses.

This is a direct infrared counteraction system (DIRCM) operating in a fully automatic mode. As soon as the onboard sensors (UV or IR) detect the launch of the rocket, the Yildirim-100 instantly comes into action. Its 360-degree rotating turret is equipped with two modules: a sensor for fast target tracking and a high-power laser emitter. The system autonomously identifies the missile, aims at it and releases a precise laser beam that disables the missile's homing head. As a result, the rocket "goes blind" and goes off course without reaching its target.

The key advantages of the Yildirim-100 are low power consumption, compactness, low weight and ease of maintenance. Thanks to its open architecture interface, it integrates seamlessly with existing NATO warning systems, making it ideal for installation on both new and old models of aircraft and helicopters.

Aselsan emphasizes that the Yildirim-100 is fully ready for combat use. Meanwhile, other countries, including the United States, are actively developing directed energy weapon technologies: recently, the US Army tested a 50 kilowatt DE M-SHORAD laser system mounted on a Stryker armored vehicle, which confirms the global trend towards switching from kinetic weapons to lasers.

Turkey has released a "smart" camera for drones — and praises it above all the heavens

 

Aselflir-600

The Turkish company Aselsan has announced a new "eye—catching" drone system, the Aselflir-600, and promises that it is the best in the world. It's about a new electro-optical platform for intelligence, surveillance, and precision weapon guidance. According to the developers, the novelty is not just improved — it surpasses both its predecessors and foreign counterparts, including Western ones.

The system was created in close conjunction with Baykar, the manufacturer of the famous Bayraktar drones. And we have already managed to test the Aselflir-600 on the Akıncı heavy high—altitude attack UAV, one of the most advanced Turkish drones. The tests were successful, and now the Aselflir-600 is ready for mass production.

What can this "camera" do? In addition to accurate day and night shooting, it can accurately track targets, operate at high altitudes and in difficult weather conditions, and aim weapons with high accuracy. Simply put, it's the brain and eyes of a drone in one package.

For Turkey, this is another step towards full technological independence in the defense industry. And if the Aselflir-600 is really as cool as it is touted, then soon we may see it not only on Turkish, but also on foreign drones, because Turkey is actively exporting its weapons.

The Turkish company Aselsan has introduced the latest YILDIRIM-100 directional infrared counteraction system

YILDIRIM-100 in action

The Turkish defense company Aselsan, one of the leading companies in the field of development and production of high—tech solutions for the armed forces, announced the successful completion of tests of its latest Directed Infrared Countermeasures (DIRCM) system called YILDIRIM-100. The tests took place at the test site, where the system showed high efficiency in detecting and neutralizing threats, such as air-to-air missiles with infrared guidance and  ground-to-air.

The YILDIRIM-100 system is an advanced solution in the field of electronic warfare and active aircraft protection. It is designed to counter modern thermal homing missiles, which pose a serious threat to military aviation and civilian aircraft in conflict or terrorist threats. The principle of operation of DIRCM is to use powerful laser radiation to dazzle or disorient the missile's homing head, which allows it to be deflected from the target.

Successful tests demonstrate that Aselsan continues to strengthen its position as one of the key players in the international defense technology market. The company, founded in 1975 and one of the main contractors of the Turkish Armed Forces, has repeatedly been recognized for its innovative developments, including sonar, communications equipment and electro-optical systems.

Special attention should be paid to the fact that the development of YILDIRIM-100 was carried out with a significant share of the company's own investments. This confirms Aselsan's strategy to develop independence in the field of high technology and reduce dependence on imported components. In recent years, the Turkish defense sector has been actively developing, especially after restrictions on the supply of technology from other countries such as Canada, which prompted active import substitution.

In addition, Aselsan is also known for its work in the field of unmanned aerial vehicles. For example, the company develops specialized drones and UAV equipment, including optoelectronic systems, which are used by manufacturers such as Baykar, the creator of the famous Bayraktar TB2 drone. However, YILDIRIM-100 is another proof of its wide technical potential.

The test results of the YILDIRIM-100 system can be an important step in the modernization of the air forces not only of Turkey, but also of other countries that are considering the possibility of purchasing this system. It is also expected that the YILDIRIM-100 will be integrated into new promising projects, such as advanced fifth-generation multi-role fighters, which will ensure a high level of survival of aerial platforms in the face of countering modern air defense systems.

Turkey is making progress in creating a multi-level air defense system "Steel Dome"

Turkey is actively working to create its own multi-level air defense system called the Steel Dome, which should become the cornerstone of national security and the protection of the country's airspace. This project received a new impetus against the background of the aggravation of the Iranian-Israeli conflict, which prompted Ankara to strengthen measures to protect its borders and airspace.

Main characteristics of the Steel Dome system

- Multi—level architecture: The system will consist of four echelons - short-range anti-aircraft missile systems (SAM), short- and medium-range air defense systems, extended-range complexes and laser counteraction systems.

- Integration and automation: All components will be integrated into a single network using modern electronic warfare (EW) and control systems, which will ensure effective detection and destruction of aerial threats in real time.

- Laser weapons: The system will include laser installations capable of neutralizing drones and projectiles at short distances, which will significantly increase the efficiency and cost-effectiveness of defense.

- National production: The systems are being developed and manufactured by leading Turkish defense companies such as ASELSAN and ROKETSAN, which reduces dependence on foreign technology and strengthens the country's defense industry.

Reasons and relevance of creation

The decision to create the "Steel Dome" was made in August 2024 at a meeting of the Turkish National Security Council. The aggravation of the situation in the Middle East, in particular, the Israeli attacks on Iran, forced Ankara to strengthen the protection of its airspace and land borders.

Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan announced plans to increase production of medium- and long-range missiles, stressing the importance of creating a reliable air defense system that could ensure the deterrence and security of the country.

Current achievements and plans

- Korkut anti-aircraft guns and HISAR medium-range systems capable of hitting targets at distances from 15 to 40 km have already been developed and are being tested.

- Work is underway on extended-range complexes such as SIPER, capable of destroying multiple targets simultaneously at a distance of over 100 km.

- Laser anti-drone guns are being actively tested, which will be able to work offline around the clock.

- Turkey plans to commission a fully national Steel Dome system by 2028, and its own satellite guidance system by 2030 to improve the accuracy and effectiveness of air defense.

Importance for regional security

The creation of a "Steel Dome" will allow Turkey to significantly increase its level of protection against modern aerial threats, including ballistic missiles, drones and enemy aircraft. This will strengthen the country's strategic independence and enhance its role in ensuring stability in the region.

Turkish defense giant Aselsan has signed an export contract worth $ 158.6 million

On Wednesday, the Turkish company Aselsan, one of the largest manufacturers of defense products in the world, announced the conclusion of an export contract worth $ 158.6 million. According to the company's announcement on the Public Disclosure Platform (KAP), the contract was signed with a client from the Middle East and Africa region.

The contract includes direct deliveries of military communications systems. This confirms Aselsan's growing export activity in the region and demonstrates the company's ability to provide advanced technology solutions to foreign customers. In 2024, Aselsan has already signed export contracts worth over $1 billion, which is a record in the company's history.

ASELSAN successfully tested GÖKBERK mobile laser system against FPV drones

 ASELSAN, Turkey's leading defense company, has successfully tested its GÖKBERK mobile laser weapon system against first-person view drones (FPV), which have become a serious threat in modern warfare.

The system has demonstrated its ability to detect, autonomously track, and destroy FPV drones in numerous test scenarios., having confirmed its role as a key component of Turkey's national air defense system Steel Dome.

In recent tests, GÖKBERK has attacked and neutralized the threats of FPV drones with high accuracy and fast response time. 

The system combines ASELSAN's IHTAR platform with high-energy laser weapons mounted on a 6x6 mobile platform, which allows for the use of both hard and soft targets for mini/micro UAVs and improvised explosive devices (IEDs).

Turkish Akıncı drone receives domestic AESA radar: a new era in intelligence and combat capabilities

 

Turkish Akıncı drone

The Turkish defense industry continues to show rapid development, and the recent flight tests of the Akıncı drone with integrated domestic AESA radar have become an important milestone in this process. The radar developed by Aselsan is a multifunctional system designed for both surveillance and fire control. Its successful adaptation for use on Turkish F-16 military aircraft and the Akıncı drone opens up new horizons in the field of reconnaissance and strike operations.

The AESA (Active Electronically Scanned Array) radar, created by Aselsan, is one of the most advanced technological solutions in modern aviation. Unlike traditional mechanical radars, AESA uses electronic scanning for beamforming, which provides greater flexibility, accuracy, and resistance to interference. This type of radar allows you to perform many tasks simultaneously, including detecting aerial targets, tracking ground objects, and controlling fire.

The integration of this radar into the Akıncı drone significantly expands its capabilities. Now this unit can not only conduct reconnaissance operations at a considerable distance, but also effectively coordinate the actions of other units, providing accurate data on the location of targets. With its high detection range and ability to operate in difficult conditions, AESA makes Akıncı an even more versatile means of warfare.

In addition to drones, the AESA radar will become part of the arsenal of Turkish F-16 fighter jets. This decision is of strategic importance, as it will significantly increase the combat capabilities of these vehicles. Modern AESA radars provide pilots with an advantage in the air due to an increased target detection range, better protection from anti-radar devices and the ability to simultaneously track multiple objects.

This is especially important for Turkey, which is actively modernizing its fleet in the face of a changing geopolitical situation. Installing AESA radars on the F-16 will make these aircraft even more competitive compared to similar platforms in other countries.

The successful completion of the AESA radar tests on the Akıncı drone symbolizes the achievement of a new level of autonomy for the Turkish defense industry. The development and production of its own equipment allows Ankara to minimize dependence on foreign suppliers, which is especially important in the current conditions of international sanctions and restrictions.

Aselsan, one of the key players in the Turkish defense sector, has already established itself as a reliable developer of high-tech systems. Its products are successfully used both in Turkey and abroad, which confirms the high quality and effectiveness of the solutions. The integration of the AESA radar into various types of equipment — from drones to fighter jets — demonstrates the scale of the potential of the company and the entire Turkish defense industry.

Turkey's Bayraktar TB2 UAV Achieves Major Milestone in Electronic Warfare with Successful Test Flight

 The Turkish Bayraktar TB2 UAVcan now jam air defense systems. Recently, the Turkish Bayraktar TB2 unmanned aerial vehicle successfully completed a test flight equipped with the new ANTIDOT-2U/Selectronic warfare module from ASELSAN, which significantly expanded its capabilitiesin the field of electronic warfare.

Electronic warfare module ANTIDOT-2U