At IDEF 2025, HAVELSAN unveiled its next-generation unmanned aerial system BULUT, designed to serve as a central node and relay platform in swarm UAV operations. Developed primarily with advanced software architecture, BULUT marks a new milestone in Türkiye’s “Digital Unit” (Dijital Birlik) concept — integrating air, land, and sea unmanned systems under a unified operational network.

According to HAVELSAN Product Development and ELD Director Veysel Ataoğlu, BULUT has an operational range of around 80 km, extendable up to 120–150 km depending on mission conditions. The system has already entered service with the Turkish Armed Forces (TSK) and will function as a communication and control relay, extending range and enhancing coordination among multiple unmanned assets.

One of BULUT’s strongest advantages is its long endurance, capable of performing continuous reconnaissance, surveillance, and operational missions for 7–8 hours. The platform can take off and land from as little as a 4-square-meter area, removing the need for a runway and allowing rapid deployment from mobile or remote bases. In addition, BULUT is GPS-independent, maintaining full operability even under electronic warfare conditions or jamming, giving Türkiye a strong edge in contested environments.

BULUT’s core role in swarm operations lies in enabling autonomous coordination, data relaying, and real-time command among multiple kamikaze or tactical drones. The system’s embedded AI and image-processing algorithms allow it to manage formation flights and collective dives (“swarm assaults”) — a capability that HAVELSAN is demonstrating for the first time in Türkiye. Ataoğlu confirmed that demo trials have been completed and live operational demonstrations will begin soon, showcasing BULUT’s advanced autonomous and coordination features.

Developed jointly with the Turkish Armed Forces, BULUT reflects HAVELSAN’s commitment to strengthening Türkiye’s network-centric warfare capability. With modular software, resilient communication systems, and rapid deployment ability, BULUT not only enhances real-time situational awareness but also brings Türkiye closer to becoming a global player in swarm drone and electronic warfare technologies.