Two KEMANKEŞ 1 missiles were launched from a Bayraktar TB2 unmanned combat aerial vehicle (UCAV) and flew more than 100 kilometres before landing safely by parachute. The test was aimed at assessing the missile’s performance during long-distance flight and controlled descent.
KEMANKEŞ 1 is the first in a new family of intelligent mini cruise missiles designed for strategic precision strikes. Baykar stated, “The testing process for KEMANKEŞ 1, the AI-powered mini cruise missile developed indigenously and originally by Baykar, is ongoing.”
The missile, first unveiled at TEKNOFEST 2023 in Istanbul, takes its name from the elite archers of Ottoman history known for their unparalleled accuracy. Baykar highlighted the system’s ability to maintain precision under “the most challenging conditions”.
Integrating seamlessly with Baykar’s UCAV platforms, including Bayraktar AKINCI, TB2, and TB3, KEMANKEŞ 1 is designed to hit high-risk targets beyond enemy lines. Powered by a jet engine, it can stay airborne for up to an hour with a mission range exceeding 200 kilometres.
The missile is equipped with an advanced AI-supported electro-optical guidance system, enabling it to detect and destroy targets with high precision in all weather. It also features anti-jamming technology and an AI-assisted autopilot for autonomous operation.
“KEMANKEŞ 1 will conduct autonomous flights and neutralize strategic targets with high precision, altering the balance on the battlefield,” Baykar noted. Its capability to function effectively in both day and night conditions adds further value for tactical operations.
During missions, KEMANKEŞ 1 maintains line-of-sight communication with its host platform, relaying real-time data and imagery to ground control stations. This data transmission allows operators to track the missile’s performance and mission outcomes in real time.
