The Turkish defence industry is increasing its power in autonomous land systems. HAVELSAN and the Presidency of Defence Industries (SSB) signed a critical agreement at the SAHA EXPO 2026 fair held in Istanbul. The parties signed a new procurement contract for the BARKAN 3 unmanned ground vehicle (UGV) on May 5, 2026. This agreement significantly increases the Turkish military's unmanned ground platform capacity. The new-generation BARKAN 3 vehicle is being showcased for the first time at SAHA EXPO 2026.
Technical Evolution: From the First Version BARKAN to BARKAN 3
HAVELSAN has continuously developed the BARKAN series according to operational needs. The first version, BARKAN, had a weight of 400 kilograms and could easily overcome 15-centimetre obstacles, carrying a payload of 200 kilograms. The developed BARKAN 2 reached a weight of 750 kilograms, carrying a payload of up to 400 kilograms. This second-generation vehicle can easily overcome 25-centimetre obstacles and 70-centimetre trenches.
BARKAN 3 takes this powerful legacy to an entirely new operational level. This new-generation autonomous platform offers a highly modular hardware architecture. The vehicle can carry different payloads and sensors, allowing personnel in the field to easily adapt the vehicle to any tactical scenario.
Modular Payload Capacity
The modular design provides the vehicle with very different combat capabilities. For example, the platform can carry a 7.62mm weapon system, a robotic arm, or a mine detection sensor. Furthermore, the vehicle possesses the capability to launch loitering munitions or laser-guided missiles. Ultimately, BARKAN 3 rapidly transforms from a simple reconnaissance vehicle into a fully equipped assault platform.
A Shield Against Asymmetric Threats
Today's battlefield is becoming increasingly complex. Improvised explosive devices (IEDs) and insidious mines pose great risks for soldiers. Therefore, HAVELSAN designed the BARKAN 3 platform as a technological shield that advances ahead of personnel. The vehicle conducts in-depth reconnaissance in risky areas before the soldiers, immediately transmitting data collected from the field to the command and control centre.
The Presidency of Defence Industries and HAVELSAN had previously signed the BOİKA-1 contract on January 7, 2025. HAVELSAN has largely completed the deliveries of BARKAN 2 vehicles within the scope of this contract. Now, engineering teams plan to complete the inspection and acceptance tests for BARKAN 3 this year.
Digital Unit Concept
BARKAN 3 represents much more than a simple remote-controlled vehicle. The system constitutes one of the most important building blocks of HAVELSAN's "Digital Unit" vision. Within the scope of this futuristic vision, BARKAN 3 directly communicates with other unmanned vehicles in the air and at sea.
The platforms instantly share all critical data obtained on the battlefield with each other. Therefore, BARKAN 3 does not replace personnel on the front line but rather becomes their most reliable assistant. With this autonomous, network-centric warfare capability it is building, Türkiye is entering the ranks of leading countries in the global defence market.
