Türkiye’s defense industry continues to strengthen with indigenous and national technologies, and one of the latest innovations is the unmanned ground vehicle (UGV) Barkan, developed by HAVELSAN. Initiated in 2019 as part of long-term R&D efforts, Barkan has emerged as a critical component of autonomous technologies designed for land, air, sea, and space systems. Showcased at TEKNOFEST Black Sea, the vehicle drew significant attention, underlining Türkiye’s forward-looking vision in defense technologies.

Weighing approximately 500 kilograms, Barkan is equipped with the SARP weapon system and is designed to provide crucial support to the Turkish Armed Forces and law enforcement units in the field. Its remote-control capability and wide field of vision grant operators significant advantages, particularly in reconnaissance, surveillance, intelligence gathering, and fire support missions. HAVELSAN’s R&D and Engineering Director Mehmet Onur Özçelik highlighted that Barkan is a key element of the “Digital Troops Project,” which aims to create unmanned, digital units for the battlefield of the future.

Guided by the Presidency of Defence Industries, the project has evolved through competitions and continuous feedback from users. Barkan has been regularly updated to enhance its operational performance, showcasing advanced mobility and mission capabilities. The vehicle can be operated remotely from a distance of 4–5 kilometers and also offers wired control as an alternative, making it highly adaptable to mission requirements.

Scheduled for delivery to the Turkish Armed Forces in 2023, Barkan demonstrates the level of progress achieved by Türkiye in unmanned ground vehicle technologies. Beyond its operational benefits, the project reflects Türkiye’s strategic push toward defense industry independence while enhancing its military effectiveness and deterrence in modern warfare.