UAV and UAS Systems

An unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) is a type of aircraft that does not carry a pilot and can be remotely controlled or operate autonomously according to a pre-programmed flight plan. With advances in technology, these systems have increasingly been adopted in both military and civilian applications. An armed unmanned aerial vehicle (A-UAV) is a variant of the UAV equipped with weapon systems. In addition to the reconnaissance and surveillance capabilities of standard UAVs, A-UAVs can also perform target detection and destruction missions using the munitions they carry. The key distinction between the two systems is that A-UAVs possess direct strike capability. Due to the time, cost, and manpower advantages they offer, these platforms have become a critical component of modern operations.

Applications

UAV and A-UAV systems have a wide range of applications aligned with their capabilities, encompassing military, civilian, and industrial uses.

Military Operations: A-UAVs are used in modern battlefields for critical tasks such as target identification, real-time intelligence gathering, and direct strikes against designated targets. Equipped with high-precision cameras, laser target designators, and guided munition systems, they can conduct effective strikes on strategic objectives. Counter-terrorism operations are among the most effective areas of application for these systems.

Border Security: UAVs and A-UAVs actively contribute to preventing smuggling, illegal crossings, and terrorist infiltration along border regions. Their ability to remain airborne for extended periods and survey large areas provides security forces with real-time data, enabling rapid response.

Disaster Response and Search and Rescue: UAVs play a significant role in civilian operations beyond military missions. They are deployed to locate individuals trapped under rubble after natural disasters, coordinate firefighting efforts, and deliver aid to hard-to-reach areas.

Infrastructure and Energy Security: Regular surveillance flights by UAVs are conducted to ensure the security of critical infrastructure such as energy facilities, oil, and natural gas pipelines. This enables the early detection of potential threats and the implementation of preventive measures.

Civilian and Commercial Applications: UAVs are also used for various civilian purposes. In agriculture, they enhance efficiency in soil analysis, crop disease detection, and pesticide application. Additionally, they are widely employed in aerial photography, mapping, construction site monitoring, and traffic control.

Key Differences Between UAVs and A-UAVs

The fundamental difference between UAVs and A-UAVs stems from their equipment, operational purpose, and mission scope. Although both are unmanned aerial platforms, their capabilities make them suitable for distinct operational roles.

UAVs are generally unarmed platforms whose primary mission is data collection. They are used for reconnaissance, surveillance, intelligence gathering (ISR), mapping, and environmental monitoring. In non-military contexts, they play a vital role in civilian applications such as assessing disaster zones, monitoring agricultural land, and inspecting infrastructure. Their main objective is to provide decision-makers with timely and accurate information.

A-UAVs, in addition to all the reconnaissance and surveillance capabilities of UAVs, are capable of conducting direct attack and defense missions using the munitions they carry. Equipped with rockets, missiles, and precision-guided bombs, A-UAVs can engage detected targets with high accuracy. These features make them an effective asset in critical military missions such as counter-terrorism operations, destruction of strategic targets, and close air support.

UAV and A-UAV Systems Developed in Türkiye

In recent years, Türkiye has made significant strides in unmanned aerial vehicle technology and has emerged as one of the leading producers and exporters in this field. According to data from the Stockholm International Peace Research Institute (SIPRI), Turkish defense companies experienced substantial revenue growth in 2022. Companies such as Baykar, Turkish Aerospace Industries (TUSAŞ), ASELSAN, and STM have played a pioneering role in developing indigenous and national systems.

Baykar Technology

Bayraktar TB2: The Bayraktar TB2, Türkiye’s first indigenous and operational A-UAV, was integrated into the Turkish Armed Forces inventory in 2014. Classified as a medium-altitude long-endurance (MALE) system, the TB2 features a triply redundant avionics system and sensor fusion architecture, enabling fully autonomous flight. With a flight endurance of 27 hours and a service ceiling of 22,000 feet, the A-UAV can carry a payload of up to 150 kg. The Bayraktar TB2 can employ smart munitions such as MAM-L and MAM-C produced by Roketsan and has been effectively deployed in conflicts in Syria, Libya, Azerbaijan, and Ukraine. These successes have generated significant international interest and contributed to Türkiye’s emergence as a major A-UAV exporter.

Bayraktar Akıncı: A high-altitude long-endurance (HALE) attack UAV designed for strategic missions with a higher payload capacity and more advanced sensor systems. It was integrated into the Turkish Armed Forces inventory on 29 August 2021.

Bayraktar TB3: Being developed as an A-UAV capable of takeoff and landing from short-runway ships, particularly amphibious assault ships such as TCG Anadolu, thanks to its foldable wing structure.

Bayraktar Kızılelma: Türkiye’s first indigenous combat UAV project. Designed with a turbofan engine, low radar signature, and the capability to carry various munitions including air-to-air missiles.

Other Systems: Baykar has also developed other platforms, including the vertical takeoff and landing Bayraktar Kalkan UAS and the Bayraktar Mini UAV (Gözcü), Türkiye’s first indigenous mini-UAV to enter the Turkish Armed Forces inventory.

Turkish Aerospace Industries (TUSAŞ)

ANKA: An UAV system developed for reconnaissance, surveillance, and intelligence missions, classified as medium-altitude long-endurance (MALE). Armed variants are also available.

AKSUNGUR: An enhanced UAV system developed from the ANKA platform, featuring a higher payload capacity. It can perform continuous multi-role intelligence, surveillance, reconnaissance, and strike missions.

ANKA III: The latest member of the ANKA family, developed as a jet-powered, low-radar-signature attack UAV.

ŞİMŞEK: A high-speed target aircraft system developed for training air defense systems.

Other Manufacturers and Systems

ASELSAN: Türkiye’s leading defense electronics company, ASELSAN has developed systems such as the multi-rotor SERÇE series UAVs, the SAKA micro-UAV capable of operating in both enclosed and open environments, and the VURUCU UAV capable of carrying rockets.

STM: KARGU, developed by Savunma Teknolojileri Mühendislik ve Ticaret A.Ş., is a rotary-wing kamikaze UAV (C-UAV) designed for asymmetric warfare and counter-terrorism environments, operable either autonomously or via remote control.

HAVELSAN: Developed the BAHA UAV system with vertical takeoff and landing capability for sub-cloud autonomous missions.

Global Manufacturers

One of the leading countries in the development of UAV and A-UAV technology is the United States. The U.S.-based company General Atomics holds a dominant position in the global market, particularly with its MQ-1 Predator and its more advanced variant, the MQ-9 Reaper. These systems have been used for many years by numerous countries worldwide. In recent years, Türkiye has emerged as a significant producer and exporter in this domain, with platforms such as the Bayraktar TB2 and ANKA developed by Baykar and TUSAŞ.