HAVELSAN has officially launched the mass production of its medium-class, Level 1 autonomous Unmanned Ground Vehicle (UGV), BARKAN, following directives from the Presidency of Defense Industries. This move marks a pivotal development in Türkiye’s defense capabilities, with BARKAN becoming the first mass-produced UGV in its category to enter active service with the Turkish Armed Forces.
Operational Enhancements Driven by Field Experience
Since its introduction into the inventory in 2023, BARKAN has been rigorously tested in the field, leading to significant upgrades based on operational feedback. Enhanced payload integration and real-world mission experiences have shaped BARKAN into a versatile and effective ground platform.
Expanded Development Ecosystem and Subcontractor Support
To facilitate mass production, HAVELSAN has expanded its internal teams and brought in experienced subcontractors. While subcontractors focus on hardware development, HAVELSAN’s engineers continue to drive innovation in software systems—one of the company’s core competencies.
“From day one, we anticipated that our existing skill set would make BARKAN a formidable system,” said Dr. Mehmet Akif Nacar, General Manager of HAVELSAN.
Simulation-Driven Precision and Performance
A cornerstone of BARKAN’s success is HAVELSAN’s advanced simulation technology. By complementing field tests with high-fidelity virtual simulations, HAVELSAN has ensured that BARKAN emerges as the most capable UGV in its class.
According to Muhittin Solmaz, Deputy General Manager for Simulation, Autonomous, and Platform Management Technologies, “BARKAN was never just a standalone UGV—it was envisioned from the start with swarm capabilities in mind.”
Trusted by Security Forces and Built for Collaboration
Veysel Ataoğlu, HAVELSAN’s Product Development and ELD Director, highlighted the strong collaboration with field units, which has been instrumental in refining the platform. “The decision to begin mass production is a powerful endorsement of the system’s trustworthiness and performance,” he noted.
A Strategic Asset for the Turkish Armed Forces
As BARKAN enters mass production, it underscores HAVELSAN’s leadership in autonomous defense technologies and its role in enhancing the readiness of Türkiye’s military forces. The UGV’s success is not only a technological achievement but also a reflection of national capability and strategic foresight.
