IRIA News

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Turkey has successfully flight-tested the Murad 100-A active electronically scanned array (AESA) radar aboard its Akinci long-range combat drone. This milestone marks a significant advancement in the country’s defense capabilities, strengthening its growing indigenous military technology sector.

The radar, developed by leading Turkish defense electronics company Aselsan, is set to be integrated into both the Akinci unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) and the Turkish military’s F-16 fighter jets as part of the ongoing Ozgur upgrade program.

A major step in Turkey’s defense industry

The flight test of the Murad AESA radar on the Akinci UAV highlights Turkey’s increasing self-reliance in defense technology. Baykar, the Turkish defense firm responsible for the Akinci drone, collaborated with Aselsan to equip the aircraft with the cutting-edge radar system.

“With the successful completion of the first flight of Bayraktar AKINCI TİHA with ASELSAN MURAD AESA radar, another groundbreaking success has been achieved in our defense industry,” Turkish Defense Industries Secretary Haluk Gorgun stated on X.

Bayraktar #AKINCI ✈️🐳🚀

✅ Murad AESA Radar ile Test Uçuşu
✅ Test Flight with Murad AESA Radar#Baykar 🤝 @Aselsan#MilliTeknolojiHamlesi 🌍🇹🇷 pic.twitter.com/gPgy7fd3sl

— BAYKAR (@BaykarTech) March 1, 2025

Gorgun emphasized the enhanced capabilities the radar provides, adding: “Now our UAVs have sharper eyes, superior mission capability in all conditions, and game-changing capabilities in the field.”

This development is expected to bolster Turkey’s defense sector by improving the effectiveness of both manned and unmanned platforms in surveillance, target acquisition, and air-to-air combat.

Murad AESA radar

AESA radars, like the Murad 100-A, represent a significant leap over traditional mechanically scanned radars. Unlike older radar systems that require moving parts to steer their antenna beams, AESA radars electronically direct their beams without any physical movement.

This advancement provides numerous operational advantages, such as:

• Simultaneous tracking of multiple targets – AESA radars can monitor and engage several targets at once.
• Enhanced situational awareness – The radar provides superior image resolution and detection range.
• Beyond Visual Range (BVR) engagement – AESA technology allows aircraft to identify and engage targets from long distances, even when adversaries deploy countermeasures to mask their radar signatures.

According to Aselsan, the Murad radar will play a key role in guiding missiles beyond visual range, significantly improving Turkey’s aerial warfare capabilities. Additionally, its ability to provide high-resolution ground surveillance makes it an ideal fit for unmanned aerial systems like the Akinci, which are frequently used for reconnaissance and strike missions.

The Ozgur upgrade program

The integration of the Murad AESA radar is a crucial component of the Ozgur upgrade program, which aims to modernize Turkey’s fleet of aging F-16 Block 30 fighter jets with domestically produced avionics and weapon systems. The Turkish Air Force has been working to reduce its reliance on foreign defense suppliers, particularly in response to strained relations with Western allies and arms embargoes imposed on the country.

The Murad radar was tested on an F-16 in 2024 as part of this upgrade initiative, and its successful integration on the Akinci UAV further demonstrates the adaptability of the technology. By equipping both manned and unmanned platforms with advanced radars, Turkey is ensuring that its air force remains competitive against modern threats.

Turkey’s growing role in drone warfare

The Akinci UAV itself is a testament to Turkey’s rapid advancements in drone technology. Developed by Baykar, the drone is one of the most sophisticated combat UAVs in the world, boasting an extended flight range, advanced sensors, and a variety of weapon systems. The Akinci can carry precision-guided munitions and conduct both surveillance and strike missions.

Turkey has emerged as a global leader in drone technology, with its Bayraktar TB2 drones achieving international recognition for their effectiveness in recent conflicts, including in Libya, Syria, and the Nagorno-Karabakh war. The integration of AESA radar onto the Akinci further strengthens Turkey’s position as a key player in UAV warfare.

Implications for the future

The successful flight test of the Murad AESA radar aboard the Akinci UAV represents a major step forward for Turkey’s defense industry. The radar’s ability to enhance target tracking, surveillance, and missile guidance will provide the Turkish military with a significant technological edge.

With increasing investments in domestic defense projects, Turkey continues to push toward military self-sufficiency. The combination of advanced radar technology with high-performance drones like the Akinci suggests that Turkey will remain at the forefront of UAV innovation for years to come.