Türkiye’s newly unveiled GAZAP thermobaric bomb has made a powerful debut on the global stage following its first public appearance at IDEF 2025 in Istanbul. International media outlets, including The Sun, Newsweek, and Al-Monitor, spotlighted the weapon’s devastating capabilities and its symbolism in Türkiye’s rapid defense industry rise.

British newspaper The Sun described GAZAP as “one of the most destructive non-nuclear bombs in the world,” reporting that its detonation creates visible shockwaves and a 160-meter-wide smoke cloud. The explosion disperses approximately 10,000 fragments across a one-kilometer radius, delivering a far greater impact area than standard MK84-class munitions. The report emphasized the bomb’s immense destructive potential and its advanced thermobaric design.

American magazine Newsweek called GAZAP “NATO’s most powerful air-dropped conventional weapon,” highlighting its thermobaric mechanism, which mixes with ambient oxygen to produce extreme heat and overpressure. According to Newsweek, the bomb is roughly three times more effective than traditional MK84 models. The outlet noted that “Türkiye is not only developing new weapons systems but also asserting itself as an effective regional power,” underlining the broader geopolitical implications of GAZAP’s development.

Regional outlet Al-Monitor drew attention to GAZAP’s debut at IDEF 2025, describing the event as “a strategic showcase for Türkiye’s military technologies.” The report noted that during the exhibition, 270 contracts were signed totaling over $9 billion, with $5.85 billion focused on exports. Over 900 Turkish companies, nearly 400 foreign firms, and 44 national pavilions participated in the fair — underscoring Türkiye’s growing defense manufacturing ecosystem.

With its combination of high-pressure thermobaric detonation, broad-area fragmentation, and long-range operational capability, GAZAP represents a new generation of precision munitions for Türkiye. The bomb’s success in global media demonstrates not only its technical innovation but also Türkiye’s emergence as a technologically independent and strategically assertive defense power.