TUSAŞ’s new UAV nears mass production after successful flight tests PHOTO/VIDEO

Turkish Aerospace Industries (TUSAŞ) has announced that its newly unveiled vertical takeoff and landing (VTOL) unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) is progressing steadily through flight tests and is expected to enter mass production soon.

Revealed during the IDEF 2025 defence industry exhibition in Istanbul — one of the world’s leading defence trade fairs — the VTOL UAV reflects Türkiye’s ongoing efforts to expand its advanced drone capabilities. The system is designed to enhance performance in intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance (ISR) missions, especially in harsh or hard-to-reach environments, Caliber.Az reports, citing Turkish media. 

🔵🇹🇷TUSAŞ'ın VTOL İHA'sı uçuş testlerine devam ediyor

🔸TUSAŞ tarafından yeni tanıtılan ve uçuş testleri devam eden VTOL İHA'nın yakında seri üretime geçmesi hedefleniyor.
📎@TUSAS_TR
🔗https://t.co/iwUKaLsOaB pic.twitter.com/WwA4o5YueB

— Defence Turk (@Defence_Turk) August 1, 2025

TUSAŞ General Manager Dr. Mehmet Demiroğlu confirmed that flight tests are ongoing and noted the company aims to begin serial production in the near future.

“This new VTOL UAV combines maneuverability with endurance, making it suitable for various operational theaters, from conventional to asymmetric warfare,” he said.

The UAV features a hybrid design that merges the vertical lift advantages of rotary systems with the efficiency of fixed-wing platforms. It measures 3.1 meters in length, has a wingspan of 5 meters, and a maximum takeoff weight of 120 kilograms. Despite its compact structure, the UAV is capable of carrying a payload of up to 2.5 kilograms — intended primarily for ISR equipment — and includes a 60-liter fuel capacity.

It offers a maximum flight range of 1,300 kilometers and an endurance of up to 10 hours. The drone can fly at altitudes reaching 9,000 feet and achieve speeds of up to 70 knots. Operational control is maintained within a 100-kilometer radius.

One of the UAV’s standout features is its modular wing structure, which allows for rapid folding and disassembly — a feature that enhances mobility and suitability for field deployment.

As global demand increases for UAVs capable of operating in rugged terrain and unpredictable conditions, the new VTOL platform is set to become a strategic asset in Türkiye’s expanding drone portfolio and a competitive option for international clients seeking multi-role, high-endurance systems.

By Sabina Mammadli