HAVELSAN’s new-generation unmanned ground vehicle BARKAN 3 was showcased for the first time at SAHA 2026 International Defense, Aerospace and Space Industry Fair. Displayed at the Istanbul Expo Center, the platform attracted attention as one of Türkiye’s latest solutions in autonomous ground systems. Developed by further advancing the BARKAN 2 platform, BARKAN 3 stands out with its higher payload capacity, improved mobility and expanded situational awareness features.

The new vehicle has a total weight of 1 ton, a length of 2.7 meters and a width of 1.5 meters. Capable of operating with a payload of 250 kilograms, BARKAN 3 was designed for challenging field conditions and complex terrain. HAVELSAN General Manager Mehmet Akif Nacar stated that BARKAN 1 and BARKAN 2 were medium-class first-level vehicles, while BARKAN 3 was designed as a second-level platform. According to Nacar, the vehicle can operate over longer distances and move more effectively on rough and steep terrain thanks to its increased ground clearance.

One of the most important capabilities of BARKAN 3 is its enhanced autonomous functionality. The vehicle’s environmental surveillance system has been increased fourfold compared to earlier versions, allowing the platform to perceive its surroundings in 360 degrees. This capability enables BARKAN 3 to identify its route, improve situational awareness and operate more effectively in mission areas. The vehicle is also capable of passing over obstacles up to 35 centimeters high, giving it stronger mobility in difficult terrain.

BARKAN 3 also features an AI-supported “return home” capability. According to Mehmet Akif Nacar, the vehicle can memorize the route it has taken and, when required, return to its starting point using its own algorithm and artificial intelligence. This function is particularly important for operations in risky areas, harsh field conditions or environments where communication may be interrupted.

The platform was developed not only as an unmanned ground vehicle but also as a system capable of managing unmanned aerial vehicles. BARKAN 3 can carry UAVs as payloads and control them when necessary. These UAVs can also be operated through the ground control station. This feature turns BARKAN 3 into a multi-layered autonomous platform suitable for combined ground-air operations.

In addition to electro-optical cameras, BARKAN 3 is equipped with radar systems. The vehicle can work in coordination with radar systems to detect and identify threats. While the platform can engage a weapon system after threat detection and identification, HAVELSAN has not granted autonomous firing authority to the system. The final decision and weapon control remain with the human operator at the ground control station, reflecting a human-in-the-loop operational approach.

HAVELSAN also aims to strengthen its export performance with advanced products such as BARKAN 3. Nacar stated that the company’s current export level is around 25 percent in sales and 30 percent in new contracts. HAVELSAN aims to increase this figure to 50 percent and beyond by entering new markets with new products. The company currently exports to more than 30 countries and has active products and ongoing projects across four continents, from Indonesia to Chile.

The inventory process for the BARKAN family is also progressing. Nacar announced that a contract had been signed for the serial production of BARKAN 2 and expressed hope that a serial production agreement for BARKAN 3 would also be signed soon. The BARKAN concept has gained nearly five years of field experience through exercises, field trials and real operating conditions. Building on this experience, BARKAN 3 is expected to be delivered to the field after new configuration requirements are finalized.

First displayed at SAHA 2026, BARKAN 3 brings together HAVELSAN’s capabilities in autonomous systems, command and control software, unmanned platforms and integrated mission management. With its advanced perception architecture, AI-supported mobility, UAV management feature and human-controlled weapon engagement approach, BARKAN 3 represents one of the new-generation unmanned ground vehicle solutions developed by the Turkish defense industry.