ISTANBUL, Türkiye — May 6, 2026 : Turkish unmanned systems manufacturer Baykar publicly unveiled three new loitering munition platforms during SAHA Expo 2026, expanding its portfolio of autonomous strike systems designed for operations in contested electronic warfare environments.
The newly introduced systems — the Kemankeş 2 (K2) kamikaze UAV, the Mızrak intelligent loitering munition, and the Sivrisinek loitering munition — were displayed for the first time during the defence, aerospace and space exhibition held from May 5 to 9 at the Istanbul Expo Center.
All three platforms are equipped with autonomous navigation systems, artificial intelligence-based target recognition algorithms, and integrated mission planning software. Baykar stated that the systems use AI-powered visual positioning capabilities that allow them to navigate, locate and engage targets independently of Global Navigation Satellite Systems (GNSS), enabling operations in environments where satellite navigation and communications may be degraded or denied.
Kemankeş 2 (K2) Kamikaze UAV
The Kemankeş 2, or K2, was exhibited in full scale in the outdoor display area and represents the largest of the three newly introduced systems. The platform is designed for long-range strike missions, swarm operations and extended endurance missions while carrying a comparatively heavy payload.
The K2 features a 10-metre wingspan and a fuselage length of 5.1 metres. The airframe uses a canard aerodynamic configuration with winglets fitted with rudders at the main wing tips. Instead of a conventional rear vertical stabiliser, the design incorporates a short vertical aerodynamic surface mounted beneath the central fuselage.
Propulsion is provided by a rear-mounted 100-horsepower internal combustion engine driving a three-blade pusher propeller. According to Baykar, the K2 has a cruise speed of 70 knots and a maximum speed of 110 knots.
The system is capable of remaining airborne for more than 13 hours and has an operational range exceeding 2,000 kilometres. Operational altitude is listed at 8,000 feet, while the service ceiling reaches 10,000 feet.
The K2 has a maximum payload capacity of up to 200 kilograms and carries two Azak E5 munitions jointly developed by Baykar and Turkish defence manufacturer MKE.
For communications, the platform supports line-of-sight connectivity exceeding 100 kilometres. Baykar stated that the system can also be fitted with beyond-line-of-sight communication capability for extended missions, alongside the company’s standard datalink architecture used on its larger unmanned combat aerial vehicle platforms.
The K2 supports fully automated take-off and has been designed to operate in coordinated swarm formations during dense electronic warfare conditions.
Mızrak Intelligent Loitering Munition
The Mızrak, translated as “Spear,” is positioned as a medium-tier intelligent loitering munition intended for deep strike operations and armed reconnaissance missions.
Its airframe consists of a cylindrical fuselage measuring 3.6 metres in length, combined with a 4.0-metre wingspan main wing fitted with winglets. The design also includes canard wings and a vertical rudder assembly.
The platform is powered by an internal combustion engine coupled to a two-blade propeller. Baykar lists the cruise speed at 80 knots and maximum speed at 100 knots. Operational altitude is 4,000 feet, while the service ceiling reaches 10,000 feet.
The Mızrak can remain airborne for more than seven hours and has an operational range exceeding 1,000 kilometres.
The system offers multiple launch options. It can operate conventionally using a forward tricycle landing gear for runway take-off and landing, or alternatively employ a rocket-assisted take-off (RATO) booster for ramp launches from unprepared terrain.
The platform has a maximum take-off weight of 200 kilograms and can carry a payload of up to 40 kilograms. Baykar introduced two payload configurations for the system. The heavy-strike configuration allocates the full payload capacity to twin warheads, while the precision-strike configuration combines a 20-kilogram warhead with a radio-frequency seeker designed for terminal attack guidance.
A gimballed electro-optic and infrared sensor suite is mounted near the forward landing gear section to support reconnaissance and targeting functions.
The Mızrak is typically configured with line-of-sight communications but can also integrate beyond-line-of-sight systems and Baykar’s datalink network architecture for extended operations.
Sivrisinek Loitering Munition
The Sivrisinek, meaning “Mosquito,” was presented as a lower-cost loitering munition prioritising affordability, rapid deployment and swarm integration capability.
The system uses a cylindrical fuselage measuring 3.8 metres in length. Its 3.2-metre wingspan wing assembly is attached using cable ties, a design approach also applied to the tailplane and rudder structures in order to reduce manufacturing and maintenance costs.
Unlike the K2 and Mızrak, the Sivrisinek is catapult-launched, removing dependence on runways or prepared launch areas.
The platform is powered by an internal combustion engine driving a two-blade propeller and is available in two configurations designated UM and UMX.
The Sivrisinek UM has a maximum take-off weight of 76 kilograms, endurance exceeding nine hours and an operational range of approximately 1,000 kilometres.
The Sivrisinek UMX incorporates an AI-assisted electro-optic camera system, increasing maximum take-off weight to 78 kilograms. Baykar stated that the added aerodynamic drag reduces endurance to more than eight hours and operational range to approximately 900 kilometres.
Both variants operate at an altitude of 4,000 feet with a service ceiling of 10,000 feet. Each carries a dedicated 20-kilogram warhead payload.
Integrated Networked Operations
Baykar stated that the K2, Mızrak and Sivrisinek were developed as interoperable systems capable of functioning within a coordinated multi-layer strike network.
According to the company, pre-exhibition flight demonstrations verified autonomous swarm operations involving the K2 and Sivrisinek operating alongside existing Baykar unmanned combat aerial vehicles, including the Bayraktar TB2, Bayraktar TB3 and Bayraktar Akıncı.
Baykar said the systems utilise optical guidance and local network communications to exchange target information and coordinate synchronized attacks while maintaining operational capability in electronically contested environments where external communication and navigation signals are disrupted.
The company described the three platforms as forming a layered operational structure combining heavy, medium and lightweight loitering munitions for deep-strike missions, armed surveillance operations and swarm attacks.
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