As the Turkish Armed Forces continue the Pençe Kilit Operation against terrorist elements in northern Iraq, recently released footage from the Ministry of National Defense revealed a significant detail: the YALMAN weapon tower firing at terrorist targets. Although its entry into the inventory was already known, this was the first time YALMAN was observed in an actual operational environment—an important milestone that defense experts have been closely watching.

Defense researcher Ahmet Alemdar highlights YALMAN’s strongest feature: its modular and flexible architecture. The system can launch multiple precision-guided missiles—including L-UMTAS, UMTAS, and CİRİT—from a single platform, providing an effective solution against a wide range of threats such as tanks, armored vehicles, fortified positions, and lightly protected targets. With imaging infrared-guided UMTAS missiles capable of neutralizing heavy armor and laser-guided CİRİT missiles excelling against lighter threats, YALMAN offers versatile firepower. Additionally, integration work is ongoing to mount the SUNGUR low-altitude air defense missile onto the tower, further expanding its mission profile.

Beyond land platforms, YALMAN is also being adapted for naval use. It is already operational on the ULAQ armed unmanned surface vessel and has previously been tested on Burak-class corvettes. Most recently, it demonstrated successful firing performance on DEARSAN’s SALVO USV, a development that signals strong export potential. With its evolving multi-domain capability, YALMAN stands out as a key technological asset for both land and maritime operations.

Regarding a potential military operation in northern Syria, experts describe YALMAN’s role as “critical.” Integrated onto the KAPLAN-10 armored vehicle, the tower’s mast-mounted electro-optical system provides exceptional situational awareness. The vehicle can remain concealed behind cover, conduct reconnaissance, identify targets, and engage with the appropriate missile type. Considering that PKK/YPG terrorists operate various armored and unarmored vehicles, fixed defensive structures, and asymmetric threats, YALMAN’s multi-munition capability offers substantial tactical advantage on the battlefield.

According to analysts, YALMAN’s deployment will not only enhance the maneuverability and safety of friendly forces but also exert significant psychological pressure on terrorist elements. With high-precision strike capability watching from concealed positions, enemy forces will face heightened fear, limited mobility, and constant operational strain. All indications suggest that in a possible Syrian operation, YALMAN-equipped armored units will serve as both the “eyes” and the “striking arm” of Turkish forces on the ground.