Turkey has successfully tested the Bayraktar KEMANKEŞ 1, an AI-powered cruise missile designed for drones. The test, conducted on March 1, 2025, showcased the missile’s ability to hit distant targets with high precision.
What is the KEMANKEŞ 1?
The KEMANKEŞ 1 is a lightweight, jet-powered missile that enhances the attack power of Turkish drones. It weighs 30 kg and is 1.8 meters long, with foldable wings that extend to 1.2 meters.
How Does It Work?
- Powerful Engine: A small turbojet engine made by Turkey’s Kale Arge allows the missile to fly over 600 km/h and reach 18,000 feet.
- Long Range: It can strike targets up to 200 km away, making it useful for hitting enemy positions from a safe distance.
- AI Guidance: The missile has an advanced AI system with cameras and sensors to identify and track targets with great accuracy.
- Warhead: It carries a 6 kg explosive warhead that can be used against vehicles, buildings, and enemy groups.
Why Is This Important?
The missile can be launched from Baykar’s drones, such as the Bayraktar TB2 and Akinci, at heights of up to 20,000 feet. It also has stealth features to avoid radar detection.
A Game-Changer for Turkey’s Defense
Experts say the KEMANKEŞ 1 is an affordable and powerful weapon. Unlike large missiles like the U.S. Tomahawk, which weigh over 1,000 kg, this missile is small, cost-efficient, and easy to use with drones.
The missile also strengthens Turkey’s defense exports. Baykar’s drones are already sold to over 20 countries, and the addition of a smart cruise missile may attract more buyers.
What’s Next?
Turkey plans to produce 100 missiles per year by 2026, using mostly local parts. More tests will be conducted throughout 2025 to check its performance in different conditions.
With the success of the KEMANKEŞ 1, Turkey is proving its strength in military technology, competing with other global defense players.
Source: bulgarianmilitary
