Ankara: The Bayraktar Akinci drone, one of Trkiye's prominent unmanned combat aerial vehicles (UCAV), completed its first flight with Turkish defense giant Aselsan's Murad AESA radar, major defense firm Baykar announced. "With the successful completion of the first flight of Bayraktar Akinci UCAV with Aselsan Murad AESA radar, another groundbreaking success has been achieved in our defense industry," said Turkish Defense Industries Undersecretariat head Haluk Gorgun on X on Saturday. "Now our UAVs have sharper eyes, superior mission capability in all conditions, and game-changing capabilities in the field," he added.

According to Anadolu Agency, Baykar's Akinci UCAV is one of the biggest high-altitude long-endurance UCAVs in the world and the first of three units of Akincis to enter service in 2021. It can execute operations that are typically performed by fighter jets. The drone is equipped with electronic support systems, dual satellite communication systems, air-to-air radar, collision avoidance radar, and synthetic aperture radar.

The Akinci UCAV is versatile in mission capabilities, capable of conducting air-to-ground and air-to-air attack missions. In response to the evolving warfare environment, modern combat aircraft are now equipped with radar using AESA technology. The Murad 100-A radar, developed as a multifunctional fire control radar, boasts agile electronic beam steering capability and simultaneous air-to-air/air-ground engagement capabilities, attributed to its AESA architecture.

The Murad 100-A radar's integration into both fighter jet aircraft and UAVs underscores its crucial role in maintaining operational superiority in air warfare. As UAVs continue to play an increasing role on the battlefield, the Murad 100-A radar is indispensable for ensuring strategic advantages.