The TURNA Target Drone System was developed to address a critical requirement in modern air defense doctrine: realistic training against actual aerial targets. The system is primarily used by air defense artillery units, short- and medium-range surface-to-air missile units, and naval air defense elements during live-fire exercises. Its operational concept enables personnel to conduct radar detection, target tracking, engagement, and post-engagement assessment under realistic combat-like conditions.

One of TURNA’s key strengths is its ability to simulate enemy aircraft and cruise missile profiles. Thanks to its high speed and maneuverability, the system can fly at varying altitudes and execute complex flight geometries, allowing air defense systems to test reaction time, tracking accuracy, and engagement effectiveness against diverse threats.

The platform architecture consists of a composite airframe, an autonomous flight control computer, a secure data link, and modular payload interfaces. TURNA is capable of fully autonomous operation, including launch, mission execution, and recovery. Mission routes can be reprogrammed in real time via the ground control station. Launch via a ground-based launcher and recovery by parachute eliminate the need for runways, enabling flexible deployment from both land bases and naval vessels.

Survivability is approached from a controlled attrition and cost-effectiveness perspective rather than traditional combat UAV survivability. As a shootable target, TURNA is designed with a low unit cost, modular construction, and rapid reusability for non-live-fire missions. Parachute recovery allows repeated use when the platform is not destroyed during training.

Compliant with NATO standards, TURNA can operate seamlessly with various radar, command-and-control, and weapon systems. By employing radar reflectors, infrared sources, and towed targets, the system effectively represents the wide range of aerial threats faced by modern air defense systems. Its decades-long service history demonstrates a mature, reliable, and operationally validated design.

Detailed technical information

Dimensions and weight

• Maximum take-off weight: 70 kg
• Airframe: Advanced composite materials (publicly available level)

Powerplant

• Engine type and thrust details are not publicly disclosed.

Performance

• Maximum speed: 93 m/s
• Endurance: 90 minutes
• Service ceiling: 12,000+ ft
• Data link range: 50+ km

Autonomy and navigation

• Fully autonomous flight including launch and recovery
• Up to 255 programmable waypoints
• In-mission waypoint and route modification
• Automatic return-to-base and emergency recovery modes

Sensors

• As a target drone, TURNA does not carry ISR sensors.
• Radar and IR signatures are generated via payloads.

Payloads and target simulation

• Towed payloads:
  • SKS towed target system
  • Banner (manş)
  • Infrared source
• Onboard payloads:
  • Passive radar reflector (Lüneburg Lens)
  • Infrared source
  • Smoke marker

Command, control, and data links

• Ground Control Station (GCS) options:
• Containerized
• Vehicle-mounted (mobile)
• Portable GCS
• EMI/EMC-protected configuration

Deployment and mobility

• Launcher-based, runway-independent take-off
• Parachute recovery on land or sea
• Capable of operation from naval vessels

Standards

• MIL-STD-810F
• MIL-STD-461
• NATO NSN compliance

Frequently asked questions

What is the TURNA Target Drone System used for?

• TURNA is used to train air defense units against real, flying targets. It allows testing of radar detection, tracking, fire control, and weapon engagement under live-fire conditions.

What types of threats can it simulate?

• The system can simulate enemy fighter aircraft and cruise missile–like targets using different flight profiles and payload combinations.

What are its range and endurance?

• TURNA offers a data link range of over 50 km and an endurance of approximately 90 minutes, sufficient for most air defense training scenarios.

Is the system mobile or fixed?

• The system is fully mobile. It does not require a runway and can be deployed from land bases or naval platforms.

How many waypoints can be programmed?

• Up to 255 waypoints can be programmed, with the ability to modify them during flight.

How does TURNA compare to its counterparts?

• TURNA stands out with its long operational history, NATO standard compliance, naval deployment capability, and cost-effective, modular design.

Sources

• TUSAŞ official TURNA Target Drone System product information
• Publicly available Turkish Armed Forces training and inventory publications
• Defense industry brochures and program disclosures (1995–2001 development period)