Turkey’s MURAD radar to fly on Akinci drones by 2023
The Akinci UAV will fly with a MURAD radar installed in 2023 under current plans. (Photo: Baykar Makina)
Since 2019, Aselsan has been developing the new indigenous MURAD active electronically scanned array (AESA) fire control radar to integrate on the Turkish Air Force’s Akinci UAS, F-16 fighters and the TF-X/National Combat Aircraft (MMU).
The company foresees it will be able to compete with Northrop Grumman’s AN/APG-83 SABR agile beam radar on the international market.
A functioning MURAD prototype was showcased on 10 November in Ankara by the President of the Defense Industry Agency (SSB), Ismail Demir.
Speaking to Shephard, a Turkish source close to the matter who attended the event said the prototype system is not completed yet
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
-
Eurosatory 2026: MBDA and Thales look to civilian industry for loitering munition scale-up
Thales and MBDA have taken steps to ensure the mass production of their respective loitering munition offerings at Eurosatoy, teaming with civilian manufacturers. These moves come amid France’s push towards sovereign drone production and continued market expansion.
-
Only 25% of the US Pentagon’s F-35 fleet has been fully mission capable, GAO says
The fighter jet remains a combat necessity, but sustainment challenges continue to limit its readiness. In the meantime, the US Air Force seeks billions in funding to improve the F-35's availability.
-
Eurosatory 2026: How the deep-strike, loitering munition market skyrocketed to $13.8 billion in three years
Ukraine’s rapid development of long-range, deep-strike loitering munitions has helped turn the sector into a market worth an estimated US$13.2 billion. The reasons behind this were outlined during Eurosatory 2026, as other countries embark on the early stages of procuring this capability.
-
Eurosatory 2026: Why security agencies are expanding UAS operations across Europe
Uncrewed aerial systems (UAS) are an increasingly important tool for Europe’s law enforcement and public security agencies, with the past two years seeing rapid growth in operational deployment, procurement and regulatory acceptance.