TUSAŞ Unveils AYAZ Jet-Powered Kamikaze UAV at “FIRE FREE 2026” Exercise

Turkish Aerospace Industries (TUSAŞ) has publicly debuted its advanced, jet-powered AYAZ kamikaze unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) during the Turkish Armed Forces’ (TAF) “ATEŞ SERBEST 2026” (FIRE FREE 2026) exercise. This significant military drill served as the platform for the AYAZ’s first public appearance.

The reveal took place amidst a Defense Industry Exhibition, held concurrently with the exercise, which showcased 104 different weapon systems and platforms currently integrated into the TAF inventory. It was here that SavunmaSanayiST.com captured the inaugural images of the AYAZ, a key addition to TUSAŞ’s expanding family of kamikaze UAVs.

The AYAZ, which is the most compact jet-powered variant within TUSAŞ’s UAV product line, has undergone continuous development, leading to enhanced performance specifications. Its operational range has been significantly upgraded from an initial 200-kilometer estimate to over 300 kilometers. The UAV is designed to operate at a service ceiling of 30,000 feet and is engineered with a low radar cross-section (RCS) and a cost-effective unit price, aligning with modern defense procurement strategies.

Equipped for precision engagements, the AYAZ is capable of guided attacks against both aerial and ground targets. It boasts fully autonomous flight capabilities, complemented by advanced automatic target detection systems. The UAV can achieve speeds of up to 150 knots within a broad speed envelope and exhibits high maneuverability, crucial for effective mission execution in complex operational environments. Its sensor suite includes an infrared (IR) camera integrated with a 3-axis gimbal for enhanced situational awareness and targeting.

Versatility in deployment is a core feature, with the AYAZ compatible with multiple launch platforms, including standard launchers, Rocket Assisted Take-Off (RATO) systems, and multi-shot configurations. Post-mission, the UAV can execute a controlled parachute landing.

Dr. Mehmet Demiroğlu, General Manager of Turkish Aerospace Industries (TUSAŞ), previously provided details on the AYAZ kamikaze UAV at the ADEX 2026 exhibition in Azerbaijan on October 2nd. Demiroğlu confirmed the successful completion of various launch tests for the jet-powered AYAZ, encompassing deployments from aircraft, catapults, ramps, and RATO systems. Following these successful trials, serial production of the AYAZ has now officially commenced.

The AYAZ measures 1.6 meters in length with a wingspan of 1.9 meters. It has a maximum take-off weight (MTOW) of 45 kilograms and is designed to carry a payload of up to 6.5 kilograms. Performance metrics include a maximum speed of 350 kilometers per hour and an endurance of over 100 minutes.