Operational capabilities of BARKAN have been significantly improved based on field feedback gathered since its deployment last year. The integration of multiple useful payloads has led to successful outcomes in all activities carried out in real operational zones.
In response to the mass production directive, HAVELSAN has expanded its project team to strengthen its engineering capacity. The company has also incorporated new, qualified subcontractors into its ecosystem to accelerate production efforts.
Platform development is being undertaken with support from subcontractors, while HAVELSAN’s own engineers are leading software development—its primary area of expertise. As BARKAN’s software capabilities evolve, the vehicle’s performance in operational environments continues to advance steadily.
Simulation technologies, considered critical in the development process, are used alongside field tests to maximise BARKAN’s capabilities. Simulations in virtual environments further enhance the system, making BARKAN one of the most advanced and well-equipped vehicles in its class.
“From day one, we anticipated that our existing skill set would make BARKAN a formidable system,” said HAVELSAN General Manager Dr. Mehmet Akif Nacar. “However, our Defense Industries Presidency and the Turkish Land Forces Command strongly supported and embraced BARKAN’s development. Our partner firms also worked in great harmony. I extend my gratitude to everyone involved.”
HAVELSAN Deputy General Manager for Simulation, Autonomous, and Platform Management Technologies, Muhittin Solmaz, stated that BARKAN was designed with swarm capability in mind from the beginning. “BARKAN performs excellently on its own but has also been developed to work in harmony with other unmanned air and ground systems when operating in a swarm. Every contribution to BARKAN’s development is also a contribution to swarm capability,” he said.
Product Development and ELD Director Veysel Ataoğlu highlighted the importance of field collaboration with security forces in BARKAN’s development. “At the end of this intense, exhausting journey driven by our passion to serve our country, the decision for mass production as a sign of trust in BARKAN has become a great source of motivation for our team,” he said, thanking all team members, field collaborators, the Defense Industries Presidency, and subcontractors involved.
