Turkey's New Kamikaze Drone "Azab" Robit Teknoloji has developed the multi-purpose kamikaze Azab with delta-wing configuration and completed flight tests. Detonation tests with Azab, which features long range and high payload capacity, are planned for the near future. Selçuk Fırat, Director of Unmanned Aerial Vehicles at Robit Teknoloji, stated that the company, which has a 15-year history, has primarily operated in information technology and cyber security, and over the past two years has developed solutions in the defense industry. Fırat said the product, which they named "Azab," is a multi-purpose kamikaze UAV, adding: "We can modify and integrate the warhead as we wish. We can use existing warheads in our inventory."

Noting that Azab has two versions, Fırat made the following comments:

"Azab comes in two versions with wingspans of 150 and 200 centimeters. The 200-class Azab can carry up to 15 kilograms of payload and takes off with 50 kilograms. The 150-class Azab weighs 7 kilograms and can carry 3 kilograms of munitions. In terms of being multi-purpose, you can set it and forget it, you can use free-flight mode, or you can have an operator guide Azab by camera from up to 200 kilometers line-of-sight and steer it to the target yourself. It can also reach its target directly using GPS coordinates you provide and destroy it. Azab has its own sensors. As we saw in the Ukraine and Azerbaijan conflicts, countermeasures are being developed against this type of kamikaze UAV. We have several features to overcome these countermeasures. In any case, when Azab reaches the target, it has the power to self-destruct. You can set up our Azab T200 model comfortably with two operators. It can also be transported in 8 or 16-unit pods. Setup takes 5 minutes. You can pre-load its mission. If desired, an operator can open their computer and send Azab directly to the target with their controller. You can transport the smaller Azab with a single operator in a normal civilian vehicle or military vehicle if preferred. Setup again takes 5 minutes. After the initial setup, you can launch 5-10 Azabs in succession. We have not yet tested that capability."

"We are ready for production"

Providing information about the stage Azab has reached, Fırat said: "Azab is flying and performing dives to target. We have completed all flight tests. We are moving on to munitions tests. Over the coming months we will conduct munitions tests. Currently we are testing the firing mechanism. At the same time, we are at the stage where the autopilot tells itself when it reaches the target: 'Now I will self-destruct.' We expect munitions testing to be completed by mid-year or the third quarter. We are ready for production. We will be at a level to meet future orders." he said.   Selçuk Fırat noted that specialized munitions can be produced for Azab, or warheads available to security forces can be used, and stated that mortars, tank cannons and RPG munitions can be integrated into Azab very easily. Emphasizing that Azab is a platform that can be shaped and used as desired, Fırat noted there are no limitations in this regard, and that Azab can operate with fragmentation, incendiary or multi-effect munitions depending on the mission.  

Two different solutions for different needs

Fırat explained that they have developed a 3-meter electric catapult to launch the Azab T150, noted that the Azab T200 has a 6-meter catapult, and stated that once the ongoing rocket-assisted system is completed, it can be launched from a truck or container. Fırat noted that they presented Azab to the Presidential Defense Industries Directorate and received positive feedback, saying: "Achieving a UAV with these specifications in a flyable state and reaching this payload and range has not been accomplished in Turkey until now. Compared to current kamikaze UAVs, Azab is currently the only one in its class in Turkey. At the same time, we are seeing very strong interest abroad. We had contact with two countries this week. It will be a good product for both our exports and our military." he said.   Selçuk Fırat, pointing out that Azab versions are tailored to needs, made the following comments regarding their operational concepts: "We developed the Azab T150 for operational transport purposes. We made it so that a team has at least 3 units, throws them in the back of a car and can hit any target 100 kilometers away with a camera. The Azab T200 was designed as a deterrent element to protect long-distance and national borders. It has a range of 500 kilometers, and you can control it up to 200 kilometers. After that it continues to its target. When you reach the target it performs a dive as you wish. You can perform a vertical dive or an angled dive if you prefer. When it reaches the target or the mission is complete, it can self-destruct. If captured, it explodes in such a way that you will not find any pieces."  

"Very low probability of radar detection"

Pointing out that the fundamental difference setting Azab apart from similar products is payload capacity, Fırat continued: "Currently there is no kamikaze UAV in our country carrying payload in these capacities. Another important feature is that it can be guided by the user and is very easy to set up. It is also a developable platform. Don't think of Azab only as a kamikaze UAV. It can be used with different payloads integrated. If you wish, Azab can also carry a 50-kilogram load. We can expand the platform to a 3.5-meter wingspan, and we can design the fuselage as we wish. Due to its radar cross-section and composite fuselage, it is a product with very low probability of radar detection. In our tests it generally flies at 50-100 meters, that is its minimum altitude. Azab can reach speeds of 278 kilometers per hour, traveling very fast. An operator can control Azab up to a range of 200 kilometers. With the T200 it is possible to reach a range of 500 kilometers."   Source