Turkey’s defense industry is entering a new phase in unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) development with the introduction of advanced domestic drone systems. Altınay Defense Technologies has announced that several new UAV platforms with diverse operational capabilities are preparing to enter the Turkish Armed Forces’ inventory in 2025. According to Burak Mercan, the company’s General Manager, the firm began its innovative UAV research and development efforts in 2011, simultaneously advancing in smart battery technologies and forming a strong partnership with ASELSAN to enhance operational efficiency and strategic advantages in the field.

As part of its UAV initiatives, Altınay established DASAL Aviation Technologies to specialize in rotary-wing, vertical take-off and landing drones. Mercan revealed that the company is currently managing six major UAV projects, including the PUHU 75 Cargo UAV (PUHU C75) with a 75-kilogram payload capacity and the micro-class MİKON (PEREGRINE) drone equipped with an explosive unit. The MİKON system has already entered serial production and attracted strong interest from international markets in the Middle East, East Asia, and South America, leading to early export deals and ongoing negotiations for further sales.

Another groundbreaking system under development is the “drone-hunting drone” (FALCON-DAD), designed to detect and neutralize hostile UAVs using integrated radar infrastructure. Additionally, Altınay has developed armored vehicle-mounted drones capable of taking off and landing while the vehicle is in motion, providing 24-hour continuous surveillance with automatic battery replacement systems—an innovation particularly valuable for convoy security operations. Both systems are expected to complete final acceptance tests and join service in the first quarter of 2025.

Mercan emphasized that Altınay Defense Technologies and ASELSAN are continuing their collaboration on larger, more comprehensive UAV programs that feature innovative, system-level solutions beyond 2025. Leveraging its accumulated experience, Altınay aims to deliver highly capable UAV technologies for both domestic defense needs and international export markets, reinforcing Turkey’s growing reputation in the global drone industry.