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
-
![AUSA 2025: Hanwha Aerospace reveals new wheeled artillery system]()
AUSA 2025: Hanwha Aerospace reveals new wheeled artillery system
The aerospace company showed a model of its new mobile howitzer at AUSA in Washington, where a representative told Shephard more about its design.
-
![AUSA 2025: BAE Systems delivers more than 500 AMPVs to the US Army]()
AUSA 2025: BAE Systems delivers more than 500 AMPVs to the US Army
The US Army requires 2,907 Armored Multi-Purpose Vehicles to replace its M113 family, and there are multiple versions in production.
-
![AUSA 2025: AM General Hawkeye awaits first production contract]()
AUSA 2025: AM General Hawkeye awaits first production contract
AM General presented its new Hawkeye at AUSA 2025 in Washington, with prototypes of the howitzer system having been trialled in Ukraine last year.
-
![AUSA 2025: Lionstrike lays out plans for British Army vehicle bid as competitors get ready]()
AUSA 2025: Lionstrike lays out plans for British Army vehicle bid as competitors get ready
In September 2025, BAE Systems announced that it was joining GM Defense and NP Aerospace to form Team Lionstrike. The team will be offering a version of GM Defense’s infantry support vehicle which is based on the commercial Colorado vehicle.
-
![AUSA 2025: KNDS France to bid for US Army requirement]()
AUSA 2025: KNDS France to bid for US Army requirement
The CAESAR Mk II, which was debuted internationally at Eurosatory last year, is a step up from the first model which has seen combat in Ukraine and the Middle East.
-
![AUSA 2025: IAI reveals robotic route clearance system]()
AUSA 2025: IAI reveals robotic route clearance system
The Elta 6631 has been developed using the experience of the Israel Defense Forces in route proving, and can be customised for various customers and circumstances.
