SÜPER ŞİMŞEK, the new-generation tactical unmanned aerial vehicle developed by the Turkish defense industry, was used for the first time as a target platform in a realistic training scenario. During the Şehit Hv.Plt.Yb. Gökhan Korkmaz National Anatolian Eagle 2026/1 Exercise held in Konya, the platform was seen being deployed from the AKSUNGUR unmanned aerial vehicle. Footage released from the exercise showed the TUSAŞ-produced AKSUNGUR UCAV carrying two SÜPER ŞİMŞEK platforms, while later official visuals confirmed this operational use. This marked an important step demonstrating that SÜPER ŞİMŞEK is moving beyond concept-level capability and into practical field application.

Within the exercise scenario, SÜPER ŞİMŞEK was released from AKSUNGUR and then used as a target during simulated missile engagements carried out with special training pods. After the scenario was completed, the unmanned platform was seen descending safely with a parachute and being recovered for reuse. This feature provides a major advantage in terms of cost-effective training and the repeated execution of advanced exercise missions. In particular, the ability for fighter pilots and air defense crews to train against more realistic threat representations is expected to make SÜPER ŞİMŞEK an important force multiplier.

One of the platform’s most notable strengths is its adaptability to different target and decoy configurations. SÜPER ŞİMŞEK can be fitted with infrared and radio frequency signature enhancers, as well as chaff and flare dispensers. Thanks to these systems, it can simulate a more advanced airborne threat profile and even appear similar to a fighter aircraft on enemy sensors. Its high subsonic speed and improved maneuverability also make it valuable not only for pilot training but also for the testing, validation, and operator training of air defense systems. In this sense, SÜPER ŞİMŞEK goes far beyond the traditional target drone concept and stands out as a multi-role tactical solution.

As the larger and more advanced successor of ŞİMŞEK, Türkiye’s first turbojet-powered target UAV, SÜPER ŞİMŞEK can reach a top speed of Mach 0.85 and an altitude of 35,000 feet. The platform is not limited to target missions; it can also be configured for kamikaze attack roles, stand-in jamming, electronic support, intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance missions. With an operational range of up to 900 kilometers, the system can be launched from platforms such as ANKA, ANKA III, and AKSUNGUR, while it can also be fired from the ground with a rocket-assisted launch system. Equipped with an integrated 35-kilogram warhead and AI-supported swarm flight capability, SÜPER ŞİMŞEK has the potential to engage multiple targets simultaneously and is emerging as one of the important platforms strengthening Türkiye’s ambitions in air power, electronic warfare, and tactical UAV operations.