Since entering the field of robotic autonomous systems in 2019, HAVELSAN has developed a platform ecosystem comprising unmanned aerial, ground, and naval vehicles. The company has now introduced BULUT, an advanced reconnaissance and surveillance UAV, further enhancing its unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) capabilities.
Development and Acceptance into Service
Following the success of the BAHA UAV, HAVELSAN developed BULUT in line with a project initiated under the leadership of the Presidency of Defense Industries (SSB) and based on security forces’ operational requirements.
BULUT underwent extensive development at HAVELSAN’s Robotic Autonomous Systems Center, successfully passing rigorous testing and meeting all requirements set by the Acceptance Committee, which included representatives from both the Turkish Armed Forces and the SSB. As a result, the UAV has officially entered the inventories of the Turkish Armed Forces and the General Directorate of Security.
Technical Capabilities and Performance
Equipped with an internal combustion engine, BULUT can stay airborne for up to six continuous hours, performing reconnaissance and surveillance missions independently of GNSS.
The UAV is designed to operate in various environmental conditions, including light rain and snowfall, thanks to its advanced sensors and robust software. It features:
- Payload Capacity: 5 kg
- Operational Range: Up to 80 kilometers
- Propulsion System: Electric motors for vertical takeoff and landing; gasoline engine for sustained flight
- Mission Capabilities: Moving object detection, collision avoidance, and anti-jamming technologies
Diverse Operational Applications
BULUT is currently in active use by security forces and is suited for a wide range of operations, including:
- Border and coastal patrol
- Counter-smuggling and counter-terrorism missions
- Law enforcement and security surveillance
- Narcotics detection
- Thermal imaging and wildfire monitoring
- Post-disaster search and rescue
- Environmental pollution assessment
- Agricultural applications
- Oil and gas pipeline security
- Energy infrastructure inspections
Fully Autonomous Functionality
One of BULUT’s standout features is its ability to take off and land without requiring a runway. Additionally, it is equipped with an EO/IR/LRF integrated camera system and supports mission handover between multiple ground control stations, a critical capability for security operations.
Industry Leaders on BULUT’s Significance
Dr. Mehmet Akif Nacar, General Manager of HAVELSAN, emphasized the UAV’s role in enhancing operational superiority:
“The SSB and our security forces played a key role in BULUT’s development. The rapid inclusion of BULUT into the inventory is a testament to our team’s ability to meet operational demands swiftly. I congratulate everyone involved in this project.”
Muhittin Solmaz, Deputy General Manager for Simulation, Autonomous, and Platform Management Technologies, highlighted BULUT’s evolution from BAHA:
“BULUT, built upon the field experience of BAHA, will be a game-changer in its category. We wholeheartedly believe in this.”
Veysel Ataoğlu, HAVELSAN Product Development and ELD Director, confirmed ongoing improvements and future developments:
“Following BARKAN and BAHA, BULUT has successfully completed various acceptance processes. We are also working on different versions of BULUT to expand its capabilities.”
Conclusion
With BULUT, HAVELSAN continues to strengthen its position in the unmanned systems domain, providing cutting-edge solutions for modern security operations. Its long endurance, adaptability, and mission versatility make it a key asset for security forces, ensuring superior operational effectiveness in various environments.
