Next-gen combat drones: Türkiye’s ASISGUARD launches kamikaze FPV series

The Turkish defence industry has introduced a new family of FPV drones capable of operating continuously in complex environments such as caves and behind natural obstacles, while also performing kamikaze functions.

ASISGUARD, a key developer of unmanned systems, payloads, and mission equipment, has designed these drones to address evolving battlefield demands.

ASISGUARD CEO Barış Düzgün told Turkish media of the rising global interest in small, cost-effective FPV drones, especially seen in the context of the Russia-Ukraine conflict, Caliber.Az reports.

Highlighting the company’s efforts over the past 1.5 years, Düzgün noted they have engineered drones that can carry up to 1.5 kilograms of explosives and achieve speeds exceeding 150 kilometres per hour.

Düzgün explained that ASISGUARD has developed various drone sizes tailored to specific operational requirements, incorporating feedback from military personnel. For instance, troops requested a drone resistant to jam, prompting the creation of a model equipped with fibre optics for uninterrupted operation over distances of up to 5 kilometres. These drones can fly even under conditions where traditional communication fails, such as when navigating mountainous terrain. “We developed a relay system that enables communication between drones, allowing them to function even when direct line-of-sight between antennas is obstructed,” he added.

The FPV drone family includes models that can carry explosives into confined spaces, like caves, using fibre-optic guidance. The drones also feature relay capabilities, ensuring communication continuity by linking drones mid-air.

Düzgün emphasized that the drones underwent rigorous testing with three separate user groups, adapting the design based on feedback. This led to an advanced communication system that can be tuned across three different frequencies according to user needs. The newly named Kamikaze FPV drone series has completed ammunition trials and is ready for deployment.

Reflecting on past successes, Düzgün mentioned that ASISGUARD’s previous product, the SONGAR armed drone, was first adopted by the Turkish military and subsequently found international markets. “We anticipate a similar trajectory for the Kamikaze FPV drones,” he said, noting ongoing negotiations with foreign buyers. “Once these drones are operational, we expect significant demand globally.”

By Tamilla Hasanova