HAVELSAN is one of the public companies operating in the field of defense technologies in Türkiye. One of its projects, the BARKAN Unmanned Ground Vehicle (UGV), is a platform developed within the scope of HAVELSAN’s digital unit concept. The development process of BARKAN, its technological features, and mission definitions have been evaluated in terms of Türkiye's defense industry efforts and the functions of such platforms in modern warfare.
Development Process of the BARKAN Unmanned Ground Vehicle
The development of the BARKAN Unmanned Ground Vehicle (UGV), created by HAVELSAN, progressed in line with Türkiye’s goals of producing domestic and national defense technologies. The BARKAN project was first introduced to the public in 2021. During this period, HAVELSAN aimed to integrate unmanned air, land, and sea vehicles into a coordinated system within the framework of its "digital unit" concept. In this context, BARKAN was positioned as the first platform representing land elements.
In the initial phase of the development process, the goal was to create a modular platform capable of adapting to different mission scenarios. Accordingly, a structure was developed that could be remotely controlled and possessed a certain level of autonomous movement capability. During the design phase, various tests and simulations were conducted, and performance and durability analyses were carried out under challenging terrain conditions.
The BARKAN prototype was field-tested in 2022. These tests evaluated sensor integration, target detection, navigation algorithms, and remote control systems. Additionally, in line with the requirements of the Turkish Armed Forces (TAF), the compatibility of weapon systems to be integrated into the vehicle was also tested.
In 2023, the production phase began with the aim of including BARKAN in the inventory of the Turkish Armed Forces. That same year, a limited number of vehicles were delivered to active military units. Thus, the development process transitioned from the prototype phase to mass production, and BARKAN was officially included in Türkiye’s active UGV portfolio.
Barkan in the field (Havelsan)
Technical Specifications
The BARKAN unmanned ground vehicle is designed as a medium-class UGV capable of performing missions at the tactical level. This classification allows for versatile use in terms of both mobility and payload capacity. Its technical components are modular and can be adapted based on mission scenarios.
Physical Features
BARKAN is approximately 2 meters in length and 1 meter in height. Its weight is around 500 kilograms, depending on the payload it carries. The armor structure has been reinforced to provide protection against ballistic threats. The chassis is designed to support balance and durability in challenging terrain conditions.
Mobility
Instead of a tracked system, the vehicle features a 4x4 wheeled structure. This provides BARKAN with flexible mobility in both urban and rural environments. Its maximum speed ranges between 13 and 15 kilometers per hour. It can operate for approximately 6 hours on a full charge. The vehicle is capable of climbing slopes with up to a 60% gradient. Additionally, it has passed obstacle-crossing and trench-crossing tests in accordance with military standards.
Sensor and Weapon Systems
BARKAN is equipped with various electro-optical systems, thermal cameras, night vision sensors, and LIDAR technologies. These sensors perform environmental detection, target acquisition, and navigation functions. The vehicle is integrated with the SARP-L remote-controlled weapon system developed by ASELSAN. This system can be equipped with either a 7.62 mm or 5.56 mm machine gun. Additionally, optional support systems such as smoke grenade launchers can be integrated upon user request.
Another image of Barkan in the field (Havelsan)
Autonomy and Software Components
BARKAN is designed as a semi-autonomous platform. It is capable of navigating pre-defined routes on its own, detecting obstacles and stopping, and determining alternative paths. Its software infrastructure includes AI-supported decision-making systems developed by HAVELSAN. These systems enable task planning optimization and risk analysis. Additionally, BARKAN can operate in integration with unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) and command-and-control systems, in line with the digital unit concept.
Operational Role and Areas of Use
After being included in the inventory of the Turkish Armed Forces (TAF), BARKAN was deployed to the field for use in various tactical missions. Classified as a medium-class unmanned ground vehicle, the platform is designed to operate both independently and in coordination with other unmanned systems. Its applications may vary depending on operational needs.
Patrol and Surveillance Missions
BARKAN is particularly used for unmanned patrol missions in border regions and areas with a high risk of conflict. The optical sensor systems onboard allow for reconnaissance under both day and night conditions. The vehicle can detect moving targets and transmit real-time imagery to the operator. These missions enable large areas to be monitored without putting human personnel at risk.
Two Barkan vehicles with different features in the field (Havelsan)
Logistics and Support Operations
BARKAN has the capacity to transport ammunition, supplies, or equipment of a certain weight to front-line areas. Due to this capability, it can also be used as a logistics support vehicle. Especially in conflict zones where manned transport operations are risky, it can carry out delivery missions along secure routes.
Fire Support in Close Contact Situations
Thanks to the integrated weapon system, the vehicle has a limited fire support capability. It can operate in scenarios involving firing at pre-designated targets or responding via manual command. This feature enables rapid response against nearby enemy elements.
Barkan rocket launching system (Havelsan)
Participation in Joint Operations
BARKAN was developed within the scope of HAVELSAN’s “digital unit” concept and is capable of operating in integration with command-and-control systems and unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs). This integration allows for information exchange between air and ground elements, enabling coordinated operations. For example, a target identified by a UAV can be relayed to BARKAN, allowing for the execution of a multi-layered operational structure on the battlefield.
Suitability for Urban Operations
With its low speed, high maneuverability, and ability to operate in confined spaces, BARKAN is suitable for urban operations. Especially in residential area missions, it can act as a reconnaissance vehicle, advancing into high-risk zones and assisting security forces by identifying potential threats in advance.
Current Status and Future Projections
As of 2023, BARKAN has been officially included in the inventory of the Turkish Armed Forces (TAF). This marks a significant transition in Türkiye’s Unmanned Ground Vehicle (UGV) technology, moving from the prototype stage to systems that are operational in the field. The first batch of deliveries was made to selected units within the Land Forces Command for testing and evaluation purposes. During this phase, BARKAN’s operational performance and field compatibility were monitored, and software and hardware updates were implemented as needed.
HAVELSAN continues to develop the BARKAN platform. In this scope, development has begun on a new-generation version called “BARKAN 2.” This version has been introduced with enhanced payload capacity, a higher level of autonomy, and expanded weapon integration options compared to its predecessor. It is also planned to be equipped with AI-supported decision-making systems capable of executing more complex missions.
The BARKAN platform is being evaluated not only for domestic use but also for its export potential. Various configurations have been showcased at international defense fairs, and technical cooperation discussions have been held with several countries. It is also noted that the platform is being developed according to standards that allow integration with NATO-compatible systems.
Among HAVELSAN’s strategic goals is to develop UGVs like BARKAN in a way that ensures interoperability with other elements within the framework of a “network-centric warfare” doctrine. In this direction, future versions of BARKAN are planned to be equipped with more advanced sensor systems, modular mission packages, and AI-supported group operation capabilities.
BARKAN is a medium-class tactical UGV platform that reflects Türkiye’s technological expertise in unmanned ground systems. It is designed to carry out a variety of mission profiles with its autonomous mobility, advanced sensor technologies, and integrated weapon systems.
The development process was planned based on operational needs, transitioning from prototype to field testing, and eventually to active unit deployment. BARKAN’s use in reconnaissance, surveillance, support, and patrol missions has positioned it as a complementary asset in tactical operations. Its interoperability with other unmanned systems makes it a significant component in the context of the digital battlefield concept.
Currently integrated into the TAF inventory and with new versions under development, BARKAN represents Türkiye’s technological progress in unmanned ground systems. In the future, it is planned that more advanced versions will be deployed in a variety of operational scenarios.
