Turkey completes first AESA radar flight test on F-16 Ozgur with drone trials imminent “within days”
The Aselsan AESA radar will be integrated on the Turkish Air Force’s Akinci, Kizilelma and Anka III UAVs, and the F-16 and TF-X Kaan fighter jets. (Photo: Turkish MoD)
Turkish defence manufacturer Aselsan’s MURAD active electronically scanned array (AESA) fire control radar has made its maiden flight with the F-16 Ozgur. Aselsan revealed the test flight in a video posted on social media platform X, adding that the first flight with the Akinci UAS was “days away”.
As Turkey pushes forward in its pursuit of indigenous defence technologies, the integration of the MURAD radar represented a leap forward in its air combat capabilities.
Aselsan has been developing the MURAD radar since 2019 to be integrated into the Turkish Air Force’s Akinci, the F-16 and TF-X Kaan fighter jets. In the
Our news & analysis is now part of Defence Insight®
A Basic-level or higher Defence Insight subscription is now required to view this content.
More from Air Warfare
-
Attack drones versus CUAS – the future of warfare or just another trend?
Demand signals for counter-drone technology are strong and the market is becoming crowded, but is this really the beginning of a new phase of warfare or will commentators be talking about something else 10 years from now?
-
The 2020s: a decade of UAV spending growth
Total annual drone spending has increased nearly sixfold since the start of the decade, from $2.9 billion in 2020 to $16.3 billion in 2028, with Europe leading the rise.
-
July drone digest: Sovereign production takes centre stage at Farnborough
Farnborough International Airshow (FIA) 2026 revealed the growing scale of the UK’s uncrewed ambitions, with companies showcasing new CCA, autonomous wingmen and surveillance drones, while sovereign production emerged as a key factor for multiple programmes.
-
July air forces review: Farnborough steals the headlines as programmes develop
The biannual Farnborough International Airshow 2026 was the backdrop in July for scores of deals, partnerships and announcements, including developments in the multinational next-generation Global Combat Air Programme and the UK’s $486 million trainer aircraft requirement.