The Barış Kartalı system is designed to meet the modern requirements of early warning, airspace surveillance, command and control, and joint force coordination. It integrates airborne sensor superiority with a comprehensive ground-based mission planning and support infrastructure, forming a unified operational ecosystem.

Operational Role and Mission

The primary mission of Barış Kartalı is to detect, identify, and track airborne targets at long ranges, provide reliable friend-or-foe identification, and coordinate air and air-defense assets from a centralized airborne command node. It acts as a force multiplier in air defense, air superiority, border security, maritime surveillance, and joint operations.

Doctrine and Concept of Operations

Operating at high altitude and stand-off distances, AEW&C aircraft avoid direct engagement zones while maintaining wide-area situational awareness. Through Link-11 and Link-16/IJMS tactical data links, Barış Kartalı fully supports network-centric warfare concepts, enabling rapid decision-making and reduced reaction times across the battlespace.

System Architecture

The system architecture is structured around three main layers:

• Sensor Layer: Long-range radar, IFF, and Electronic Support Measures (ESM/EDT).
• Mission and Command Layer: Mission computers, operator consoles, and mission software.
• Communications and Networking Layer: HF, V/UHF, UHF, SATCOM, and tactical data links.

Mission software developed by HAVELSAN enables sensor fusion, threat evaluation, target tracking, and advanced human-machine interfaces.

Survivability and Protection

Barış Kartalı is designed to operate outside high-threat zones. Its electronic support measures provide electromagnetic situational awareness, allowing detection and classification of hostile emitters. Specific self-protection system details are not publicly disclosed.

Detection, Reaction, and Engagement Support

With radar coverage exceeding 200 nautical miles and IFF identification ranges of up to 300 nautical miles, the system generates a comprehensive recognized air picture. Data is processed in real time and distributed to allied platforms. While the aircraft does not engage targets directly, it plays a decisive role in engagement management and control.

System Integration

Barış Kartalı is interoperable with fighter aircraft, ground-based air defense systems, naval platforms, and command headquarters. NATO-standard data links ensure seamless integration within allied operational frameworks.

Variants and Modernization

The Turkish Air Force operates four AEW&C aircraft under the Barış Kartalı program. Capability upgrades and software improvements have been implemented over time, though detailed block configurations are not fully disclosed publicly.

Operational Use and Service Status

The system is actively deployed within the Turkish Air Force. Specific operational missions and sortie details are not publicly available.

Detailed Technical Information

Dimensions and Weight

Based on the Boeing 737-700 AEW&C airframe. Detailed dimensional and weight data follow the base platform specifications.

Powerplant

Twin turbofan engines with enhanced electrical generation and cooling capacity to support AEW&C mission systems.

Performance

• Radar coverage: 200+ nautical miles
• IFF identification range: Approximately 300 nautical miles
• Endurance: Not publicly disclosed (consistent with long-duration AEW&C missions)

Sensors and Detection

• Multi-role long-range surveillance radar
• IFF interrogation and identification system
• Electronic Support Measures (ESM/EDT)

Target Tracking

Capable of tracking multiple airborne targets simultaneously; exact track capacity figures are not publicly disclosed.

Engagement Support

The platform does not carry weapons. It provides command, control, and engagement coordination for shooter platforms.

Command, Control, and Data Links

• HF, V/UHF, UHF, SATCOM
• Link-11
• Link-16 / IJMS

Deployment and Logistics

Aircraft operate from main operating bases. The Ground Support Segment includes mission planning systems, simulators, and software support centers.

Crew and Operation

Mixed flight crew and mission operator configuration. Exact personnel numbers are not publicly disclosed.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the purpose of the Barış Kartalı system?

• It provides early warning and airborne command and control, significantly enhancing the effectiveness of air and air-defense operations.

What is its detection range?

• Radar coverage exceeds 200 nautical miles, while IFF identification reaches approximately 300 nautical miles.

What types of targets can it detect?

• Primarily airborne targets, including fighter aircraft, support aircraft, and selected maritime targets.

How many targets can it track simultaneously?

• Exact figures are not public; AEW&C-class systems typically manage dozens to hundreds of tracks.

Is the system mobile or fixed?

• The airborne segment is fully mobile; the ground support segment operates from fixed facilities.

What are its main equivalents?

• Comparable systems include the E-3 AWACS and E-7 Wedgetail. Barış Kartalı is distinguished by mission-specific integration and indigenous software contributions.

Sources

• HAVELSAN – Peace Eagle Project Publications
• Turkish Air Force – Public Inventory Information
• Turkish Technic – Integrated Logistics Support and MRO Publications
• Public defense industry briefings and exhibition materials