Turkish Akinci Drone Flight-Tested With Domestic AESA Radar
Turkish defense firm Baykar has flight-tested the Murad 100-A active electronically scanned array (AESA) radar with its Akinci long-range combat drone.
Designed for both surveillance and fire control, the Aselsan radar will be retrofitted on the Turkish military’s F-16s and Akinci aircraft.
A key component of the F-16 Block 30’s Ozgur upgrade, the radar was tested on the aircraft in 2024.
The Ozgur upgrade calls for the integration of domestic avionics and armaments on the US-origin fighter jet.
“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,” Secretary of Turkish Defence Industries Haluk Gorgun wrote on X.
“Now our UAVs have sharper eyes, superior mission capability in all conditions, and game-changing capabilities in the field.”
Murad AESA Radar
Unlike mechanically scanned radars that require moving parts for antenna beam steering, an AESA radar beam can be electronically steered without moving the antenna.
It allows for simultaneous and rapid tracking of multiple targets, providing enhanced situational awareness.
In air-to-air engagements, it enables beyond-visual range target engagements with precision, despite the employment of countermeasures to mask radar signatures.
According to Aselsan, the radar features beyond visual range missile guidance to engage long-range air-to-air targets.
For unmanned platforms, the radar technology allows better ground surveillance and target acquisition.
