Turkish defense company Aselsan recently demonstrated its advanced electronic warfare (EW) and radar systems, integrated into Baykar’s Bayraktar TB2 unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs), at a live event in Konya, Türkiye. The demonstration attracted defense officials from 18 different countries, highlighting the growing role of Turkish defense technology on the international stage.
A Showcase of Advanced Technology
During the live demonstration, two Bayraktar TB2 drones were equipped with innovative systems from Aselsan. One drone showcased the Antidot 2ES 100 electronic support pod along with the Antidot 2EA 200 electronic warfare pod, while the other was outfitted with the Fulmar 200 synthetic aperture radar (SAR) pod. These enhancements illustrate the capability of the Bayraktar TB2 to execute complex missions involving electronic attack and surveillance.
Phase One: Autonomous Target Engagement
The first segment of the demonstration involved the Antidot system successfully detecting a live target radar mid-flight. The system pinpointed the radar’s location and autonomously executed an electronic strike on it. This enabled the TB2 equipped with Antidot technology to approach its target without detection, demonstrating the effectiveness of electronic warfare systems in modern combat scenarios.
Phase Two: Interoperability of Systems
In the subsequent phase, the Antidot system identified a different target, providing its coordinates to the Fulmar 200 pod. This system then produced a high-resolution SAR image, ensuring precise target location. The successful integration of the Antidot and Fulmar systems highlighted their combined capabilities in detection, positioning, electronic attack, and imaging. This was the first time the Antidot family of systems was successfully tested in conjunction with real radar systems aboard the Bayraktar TB2.
Functionality of Antidot and Fulmar Systems
The Antidot 2ES 100 electronic support system can detect and analyze signals from enemy air defense radars, tracking threats in real time and conveying necessary information to operators. Meanwhile, the Antidot 2EA 200 merges electronic support and attack functions, making it a lightweight and energy-efficient system for integration into UAVs. This system autonomously targets radars using pre-configured electronic attack techniques, facilitating a robust defense mechanism.
The Fulmar 200, known for its lightweight and compact design, stands out as a next-generation SAR system. It employs an active electronically scanned array (AESA) architecture, enabling it to perform effectively in any weather conditions, both day and night. This ensures that reconnaissance and surveillance missions are not hindered by environmental factors, enhancing operational versatility.
The Bayraktar TB2: A Proven Platform
The Bayraktar TB2 itself has established a reputation for its effectiveness as a Medium Altitude Long Endurance (MALE) UAV in intelligence, reconnaissance, and surveillance operations. It features advanced autopilot systems and fully autonomous capabilities for taxiing, takeoff, and landing. With more than 1.25 million flight hours and deployment in various conflict zones—including Nagorno-Karabakh and Ukraine—the system has proven its reliability in combat. It can operate at a service ceiling of 20,000 feet, with an impressive endurance exceeding 18 hours, reinforcing its strategic value in modern warfare.
By integrating advanced technologies like those from Aselsan, the Bayraktar TB2 continues to evolve, enhancing Türkiye’s position as a key player in the defense industry.