Live-fire demonstrations featured drone swarms, strike aircraft and counter-drone systems
Turkish F-16s dropped bombs on targets as drones carried out strike and reconnaissance missions, while air-defense systems engaged unmanned aircraft. The scenarios were part of Ateş Serbest (“Free Fire”), held at the General Nahit Şenoğul Firing and Exercise Area near Ankara.
The Turkish Ministry of Defense says the exercise is intended to improve coordination of fire support, showcase weapons and systems in service, and demonstrate their effects on targets. The program also included Atak attack helicopters firing Cirit and UMTAS missiles.
Ayaz and Super Şimşek conduct attacks with live warheads
A key feature was the public debut of Ayaz, a turbojet-powered one-way attack UAV developed by Turkish Aerospace Industries (TAI). A company official told Breaking Defense that both Ayaz and the Super Şimşek carried out dive attacks and hit their targets with live warheads. It was the first time Super Şimşek flew with a warhead, following its maiden flight in 2023.
The exercise also featured a swarm of 20 Kargu one-way attack drones made by STM. The drones exchanged real-time data with each other and their operator before splitting into groups to engage targets.
Uncrewed systems also supported troops. A Puhu UAV made by DASAL delivered medical supplies, while the Palem unmanned ground vehicle helped evacuate casualties. Artificial intelligence supported drone control and intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance missions.
Counter-drone systems and missile production are industry priorities
Several Turkish counter-drone systems were demonstrated. Aselsan’s Ejderha microwave and Gökberk laser systems, along with MKE’s Tolga short-range air-defense system, engaged aerial targets.
Factory visits highlighted the industry’s efforts to meet domestic and export demand. At Roketsan, company officials said missile production had doubled on average in response to recent conflicts in the Middle East and Ukraine, but did not provide detailed figures.
State-owned contractor ASFAT said construction has begun on Turkey’s first TF200 guided-missile destroyer, an air-defense-focused project. Separately, TAI has completed a second production line for its Anka 3 unmanned aircraft.
