Türkiye strengthens arsenal with cutting-edge defence systems PHOTO / VIDEO

Spokesman for the Turkish Ministry of National Defence Zeki Aktürk has announced the inclusion of two advanced defence systems developed by the country’s domestic defence industry: the BAHA UAV and the SUNGUR MANPADS, marking a significant leap forward in Türkiye’s military capabilities. 

These cutting-edge technologies have been delivered to the Turkish Land Forces Command, further enhancing the nation’s defence infrastructure, Caliber.Az reports, citing the message of the Turkish Ministry of National Defence. 

Millî Savunma Bakanlığının faaliyetleri başta olmak üzere gündemdeki konulara ilişkin olarak Haftalık Basın Bilgilendirme Toplantısı gerçekleştirildi. Basın ve Halkla İlişkiler Müşaviri ve Bakanlık Sözcüsü Tuğamiral Zeki Aktürk tarafından icra edilen toplantıda şu bilgiler… pic.twitter.com/1iV3I33unk

— T.C. Millî Savunma Bakanlığı (@tcsavunma) April 24, 2025

The SUNGUR, developed by the Turkish defence company Roketsan, is a man-portable air defence system (MANPADS) designed for high precision in targeting aerial threats. With its advanced target detection, diagnostic, and identification systems, the SUNGUR operates effectively both day and night, offering a 360-degree firing range. The MANPADS can engage targets at a range of up to 8 kilometres and at altitudes between 4 and 4.5 kilometres.

Equipped with an infrared imaging seeker (IIR), the system ensures pinpoint targeting precision. Additionally, the SUNGUR can be integrated into ground vehicles, allowing Turkish forces to target aerial threats even while on the move. The BAHA UAV, developed by HAVELSAN, represents Türkiye’s cutting-edge capabilities in unmanned aerial systems. With 90 per cent of its components sourced from local suppliers, the BAHA UAV is equipped with an electro-optical system capable of detecting and identifying targets at long distances, providing crucial surveillance advantages in both strategic and tactical operations. 

The BAHA UAV is engineered to function in harsh weather conditions, including cold, rainy environments, and is resistant to electronic warfare interference, thanks to its domestically developed Anti-Jam GNSS technology. This ensures reliable operation even in contested areas. 

The UAV can operate at altitudes up to 15,000 feet and remain airborne for up to 6 hours with a gasoline engine, or 2 hours using an electric motor. With a range of 80 kilometres, the BAHA can carry a 5-kilogram payload. Its 3.7-meter wingspan allows for rapid deployment, requiring only two personnel for setup, and a single operator can control the system. The BAHA is designed for quick operational readiness, able to be deployed in just minutes.

By Naila Huseynova