Bayraktar AKINCI TİHA, the flagship of the Turkish defence industry in the sky, has added a new game-changing member to its ammunition family. Baykar shared images of the first firing test conducted with EREN, the “High Speed Multi-Purpose Loitering Ammunition” developed by Roketsan. With a range of 100 kilometres and the ability to see, cancel and re-attack the target, EREN transforms AKINCI into a strategic attack platform.
Increasing its dominance in the sky day by day, Bayraktar AKINCI TİHA maintains its title of being one of the unmanned aerial vehicles with the widest weapon portfolio in the world with the variety of domestic ammunition integrated. In the video shared by Selçuk Bayraktar, Chairman of the Board of Directors of Baykar, on his social media account, it was seen that the EREN ammunition dropped from under the wings of AKINCI hit its target with pinpoint accuracy. This test is not only an ammunition integration, but also a proof of Turkey's high-speed interpretation of the loitering munition concept in the field.
Game Changer EREN, Very Different from Classic Kamikazes
Developed by Roketsan, EREN differs from the propeller-driven and slow-flying kamikaze drones known in the literature in terms of its technical structure. EREN, which has the characteristics of a cruise missile when its visual structure and aerodynamic form are analysed, is defined as “High Speed Multi-Purpose Loitering Munition”.
Unlike conventional missiles, EREN, which heads towards the target with its own propulsion system after being released from AKINCI, can fly over the target area for a certain period of time, verifies the target and dives with the operator's command.
100 KM Range and Smart Lockout
According to Roketsan data, EREN has the following critical features that will significantly increase AKINCI's operational radius and strike power:
- Long Reach: EREN has a range of 100 kilometres. This means that AKINCI can attack from a safe distance (stand-off) without entering the effective range of enemy air defence systems.
- Compact and Deadly: The ammunition, which weighs only 35 kilograms and is 2 metres long, creates a devastating effect on armoured and unarmoured targets with its fragmentation-effective high-explosive warhead despite its lightweight structure.
- Advanced Guidance: EREN does not depend on a single system to find its target. It uses the Inertial Navigation System (ANS), Global Positioning System (GPS) and most importantly the Infrared Imaging Seeker (IIR). The IIR warhead enables the munition to see and hit the target even in environments with blackout or GPS jamming.
Air to Air Strike Capability
One of the most striking details on EREN's identification card is the phrase “Low-speed flying air elements” in the target type section. This feature means that AKINCI can use EREN to hunt enemy helicopters or other UAVs. In other words, EREN provides AKINCI with not only ground attack, but also a limited air-to-air capability.
Mission Cancellation and Reattack
The loitering munition feature, which distinguishes EREN from standard missiles, reveals the intelligence of the munition. After the munition locks onto the target, if a civilian element is detected at the last moment or the tactical situation changes, the operator can issue a mission cancellation command. EREN can bypass the target and rise again, and can be directed to the same target or a different target with the re-lock function. This feature is critical in terms of preventing civilian casualties in the battlefield and ammunition efficiency.
AKINCI's talents are increasing
The AKINCI, which makes pinpoint shots with MAM series ammunition, hits strategic targets with the SOM cruise missile, and extends its range with Çakır and now EREN, has turned into a flying fortress for the Turkish Armed Forces. This latest fruit of the cooperation between Roketsan and Baykar shows that Turkey's doctrine development capability in unmanned systems is not limited to the platform, but is also pushing the world's top in ammunition technology.
