Autonomous defense technologies—systems capable of identifying threats, making decisions, and executing missions without human intervention—are transforming the modern battlefield. What began with simple unmanned systems like WWII-era mines has evolved into highly intelligent, sensor-rich unmanned platforms powered by advanced artificial intelligence. As global investment accelerates, the autonomous weapons market is projected to surpass 44 billion dollars by 2025 and reach nearly 78 billion dollars by 2035, with land-based systems taking the largest share.

Alongside major global powers such as the United States, China, Russia, and the United Kingdom, Türkiye has rapidly established itself as one of the leading countries developing autonomous defense systems. The nation’s growing expertise in AI-enabled weapons and platforms not only strengthens national defense but also decreases foreign dependency, boosts export potential, and provides strategic autonomy during international crises.

Türkiye’s land-based autonomous systems have expanded significantly in recent years. HAVELSAN’s Barkan supports infantry with reconnaissance, surveillance, logistics transport, and armed mission capabilities. Otokar’s hybrid-powered Alpar offers quiet movement and can be deployed for exploration or combat completely unmanned. Other notable platforms include ASELSAN’s Kaplan and Ertuğrul, Elektroland’s Boğaç, OğuzKağan’s Demirhan, and joint projects such as Ukap and Alpan. These systems are designed for centralized command, high payload capacity, and autonomous mission execution in challenging terrain.

In the air domain, Türkiye’s unmanned aerial vehicles have already gained global recognition. Baykar’s Bayraktar TB2, Akıncı TİHA, Kalkan DİHA, and Mini UAV series—as well as TUSAŞ’s Aksungur, Anka, Baykuş, Şimşek, and the Alpin unmanned helicopter—offer extended endurance, advanced autonomy, and mission flexibility. STM’s Kargu loitering munition has also drawn significant international attention as one of the most effective autonomous strike systems in its class. Together, these platforms form a diverse and highly capable autonomous air fleet.

In the maritime arena, Türkiye’s rise is equally notable. The ULAQ unmanned surface vessel, developed by Ares and Meteksan, is combat-ready and capable of reconnaissance, surveillance, and armed surface warfare missions. ASELSAN’s Albatros-K serves as an unmanned surface target vessel and can operate semi-autonomously. Additional maritime platforms such as Marlin, Sancar, Salvo, Pirana, Kama, and Çaka showcase Türkiye’s expanding capabilities in naval autonomy.

The increasing adoption of autonomous weapons worldwide has also been influenced by recent conflicts including Karabakh, Libya, and Ukraine, where unmanned systems demonstrated overwhelming tactical advantages. Equipped with advanced sensors, cameras, radar, and laser systems, autonomous platforms reduce human casualties and enhance operational efficiency. Türkiye’s use of such systems in counterterrorism operations further underscores their battlefield effectiveness.