Havelsan's Barkan UGV demonstrates varied munition firing in a step towards swarming
Havelsan test-fired a loitering munition from its Barkan UGV in mid-October. (Photo: Havelsan)
Havelsan has a focus on increasing digital battlespace capability for Turkish soldiers and test firing of a loitering munition from a Barkan UGV has marked a step towards swarming with loitering munitions.
Havelsan has successfully test-fired different types of munition from its Barkan-2 UGV using a hydro-launch from a single turret. The test has followed on from the successful launch in January 2023 of a Roketsan METE laser-guided missile from a Barkan-1 UGV.
The company announced the success of the mid-October launch on 7 November and highlighted ‘that the launch involved a diverse range of ammunition without the need for explosive materials during launch’.
As part of the trial, the Barkan-2 fired a loitering munition and completed a mission covering a 2–15km radius, but the system has been equipped with two launchers connected to a single turret.
One launcher is a laser-guided system, which was demonstrated in the earlier test, and the other deploys loitering ammunition.
The loitering munition has a range of 15km with an electric propulsion system, a flight altitude of 3000m and a flight time of 40 minutes.
An operational concept promoted by the company revolves around swarming. This was highlighted by Havelsan product development and production director Veysel Eroğlu who noted ‘KSOM (Mixed Swarm Operation Center) …recently carried out [trials] in the field [and] continue with the use of different types of payloads’.
Eroğlu said: ‘With the addition of these systems to the KSOM, the concept of using the ammunition as a swarm will also be realised in the field. At Havelsan, we use software capabilities from our digital technology unit, which is our main duty, on more platforms and payloads.
‘All of these unmanned systems, including swarm concepts – especially [technologies] put forward and pioneered by Havelsan – will be used [to lead the way] to reduce the work of our security forces in the field.’
You may also like
More from Land Warfare
-
![Romania approved for additional $280 million Patriot Air Defence System buy]()
Romania approved for additional $280 million Patriot Air Defence System buy
The possible Foreign Military Sale (FMS) from the US will cover the system and any related equipment with Lockheed Martin and RTX as primary contractors.
-
![Polaris to unveil new MRZR Alpha base vehicle at Modern Day Marine]()
Polaris to unveil new MRZR Alpha base vehicle at Modern Day Marine
The new platform was designed to provide 1KW of exportable power as standard and has been developed in partnership with the US Marine Corps (USMC).
-
![British Army details Ajax plans]()
British Army details Ajax plans
Of the six variants in the Ajax programme – reconnaissance (Ajax), reconnaissance support (Ares), C2 (Athena), equipment repair (Apollo), equipment recovery (Atlas) and engineering reconnaissance (Argus) – the Ajax reconnaissance version is now entering service.
-
![CV90 revels in northern exposure while looking for new customers (updated April 2025)]()
CV90 revels in northern exposure while looking for new customers (updated April 2025)
The BAE Systems Hägglunds’ CV90 IFV has been around for decades but continual refreshing to maintain power and relevance, along with a healthy market at home in Sweden and neighbouring countries, has led to more than 1,700 vehicle orders with 10 countries.
-
![Oshkosh notches JLTV win with Dutch order]()
Oshkosh notches JLTV win with Dutch order
The order further extends the Oshkosh Defense production line as AM General, selected for US orders, pushes to get vehicles out the door with no room for export orders.
-
![US and Europe continue moves to boost 155mm munitions production]()
US and Europe continue moves to boost 155mm munitions production
The new US facility for 155mm artillery projectiles is a reflection of a worldwide trend which has also seen Rheinmetall and BAE Systems working to improve capability in the same area.
