Ankara, October 15, 2026 — Turkish defense company Baykar showcased the advanced capabilities of its domestically developed unmanned aerial systems during the Ateş Serbest-2026 military exercise, demonstrating autonomous swarm operations, precision strikes, target detection and network-centric warfare capabilities.
The exercise brought together several of Baykar's unmanned platforms, including the AKINCI unmanned combat aerial vehicle (UCAV), Bayraktar TB2, K2 Kamikaze UAV, SİVRİSİNEK Smart Loitering Munition, Bayraktar KALKAN VTOL UAV and KEMANKEŞ 1 AI-based mini cruise missile.
One of the key demonstrations involved five K2 Kamikaze UAVs coordinating a swarm of 20 SİVRİSİNEK loitering munitions through a ground control station. During the operation, ten munitions separated from the autonomous formation and carried out coordinated dives against designated targets, achieving direct hits.
The Bayraktar KALKAN VTOL UAV also demonstrated its reconnaissance and surveillance capabilities using Baykar's newly developed BG-180 3E three-axis stabilized electro-optical system, which was deployed for the first time during the exercise.
Two AKINCI UCAVs participated in the drills. One aircraft, operated by the Turkish Armed Forces, successfully engaged designated targets using TEBER, TOLUN, MAM-L TV and MAM-T precision-guided munitions. The second AKINCI, operating from Çorlu, detected aerial and ground targets using the MURAD active electronically scanned array (AESA) radar.
Meanwhile, a Bayraktar TB2 successfully launched the KEMANKEŞ 1 AI-based mini cruise missile, which struck its designated target. The AKINCI and Bayraktar TB2 platforms also conducted a ceremonial flyby.
According to Baykar, the exercise demonstrated the ability of different unmanned systems to operate simultaneously within a coordinated, network-centric combat environment.
The successful completion of these missions highlighted Türkiye's growing capabilities in indigenous unmanned defense technologies, particularly in autonomous operations, intelligence gathering, precision engagement and integrated battlefield management.
