Baykar, a prominent Turkish defense firm, has recently conducted successful flight tests of the Murad 100-A active electronically scanned array (AESA) radar paired with its Akinci long-range combat drone. This innovative radar system is designed for both surveillance and fire control, and it is set to be retrofitted onto the Turkish military’s fleet of F-16 fighter jets as well as the Akinci drones.
The Murad radar forms a crucial element of the F-16 Block 30’s Ozgur upgrade, which aims to modernize the aircraft by integrating advanced domestic avionics and armaments. The specific testing of the radar aboard the aircraft was carried out in 2024, underlining the progress being made in enhancing Turkey’s defense capabilities.
Haluk Gorgun, the secretary of Turkish Defence Industries, praised the achievement, stating, “With the successful completion of the first flight of Bayraktar AKINCI TİHA with ASELSAN MURAD AESA radar, another groundbreaking success has been achieved in our defense industry.” He emphasized that this advancement provides unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) with enhanced visual capabilities, significantly improving their operational effectiveness under various conditions and providing transformative capabilities on the battlefield.
One of the most notable features of the Murad AESA radar is its ability to electronically steer radar beams without the need for mechanical movement, distinguishing it from traditional mechanically scanned radars. This technology allows for rapid and simultaneous tracking of multiple targets, substantially boosting situational awareness for operators. The radar’s advanced capabilities also enable precision targeting in air-to-air engagements at beyond visual range, even when countermeasures are deployed to obscure radar signatures.
As stated by Aselsan, the radar is equipped to facilitate beyond visual range missile guidance, allowing for the engagement of long-range air-to-air threats. Additionally, the technology significantly augments ground surveillance and target acquisition capabilities for unmanned platforms, further enhancing the operational potential of Turkey’s armed forces.
This development marks a significant step forward in Turkey’s ambitions within the defense sector, showcasing the integration of advanced technologies in military platforms and aiming to position the nation as a key player in modern warfare capabilities.
