Technology: Türkiye Launches Serial Production of HAVELSAN’s Barkan Land Robot UGV After Operational Success.

According to information published by Turkish media outlet TürkiyeToday on May 17, 2025, HAVELSAN’s unmanned ground vehicle (UGV), Barkan, which entered service with the Turkish Armed Forces in 2023, is now transitioning to serial production following a strategic decision by Türkiye’s Presidency of Defense Industries (SSB). This decision follows Barkan’s proven performance in field operations and its successful evolution through continuous upgrades and feedback from operational deployments.
Follow Army Recognition on Google News at this link

HAVELSAN’s Barkan unmanned ground vehicle (UGV) on display during a live demonstration, showcasing its modular weapon systems and advanced autonomous capabilities developed for multi-role combat and support missions. (Picture source: Havelsan)

HAVELSAN, a leading Turkish defense and technology company, designed and produced the Barkan UGV as a versatile battlefield support platform. Developed to serve as a vital assistant for field personnel, Barkan enhances mission success while minimizing personnel losses and reducing overall operational costs. The platform is especially distinguished by its emphasis on firepower and flexibility, enabling it to perform a wide range of military tasks. These include tactical overwatch, medical evacuation, and the detection of chemical, biological, radiological, and nuclear (CBRN) threats. Barkan’s rugged construction and operationally proven features allow it to function effectively in challenging terrain and under adverse weather conditions.

Barkan incorporates both remote-controlled and autonomous capabilities, making it suitable for a variety of tactical scenarios. It features a swarm operation infrastructure that allows it to conduct joint missions with other unmanned ground and aerial vehicles, all controlled from a central command system. This interoperability enhances battlefield awareness, force coordination, and operational effectiveness. The UGV’s modular design enables it to be easily adapted for mission-specific payloads, supporting tasks such as armed reconnaissance, close protection, and intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance (ISR). With its stealth profile and high maneuverability, Barkan can be deployed in high-risk areas to deliver essential firepower and real-time multi-sensor intelligence.

Barkan has already demonstrated notable achievements in armament integration. It has been successfully equipped with the RDS40-AGL 40 mm automatic grenade launcher developed by Repkon Defence, mounted using the Trakon Lite Remote Controlled Weapon Station produced by Unirobotics. Moreover, the vehicle has carried out successful test launches of the Roketsan METE laser-guided mini missile, showcasing its capacity for precision strike operations in the field.

In a landmark development, the Barkan-2 variant has become the first in its class to launch loitering munitions, often referred to as kamikaze drones. This capability allows Barkan to engage enemy targets beyond the line of sight, significantly expanding its tactical reach and strategic utility in modern combat zones.

Barkan’s operational efficiency was further demonstrated during Türkiye’s Winter Exercise 2025. In this demanding military drill, the UGV executed complex missions under extreme cold conditions, exhibiting exceptional mobility, target precision, and seamless coordination with other unmanned platforms. Additionally, the vehicle has logged more than 1,000 km across snow-covered, muddy, and uneven terrain, confirming its durability, reliability, and resilience in real-world conditions.

Internationally, HAVELSAN has begun expanding the reach of the Barkan UGV through strategic partnerships. A recent cooperation agreement with Egypt’s Kader Advanced Industrial Factory will enable the co-production of UGVs tailored to the operational needs of the Egyptian military. This collaboration also includes technical support and technology transfer from HAVELSAN, further establishing Türkiye’s role as a global provider of high-tech defense solutions.

The technical specifications of the HAVELSAN Barkan base platform underscore its operational capabilities in several key areas. The vehicle has a maximum speed of 12 km/h, allowing it to maneuver effectively in tactical environments without compromising stability. Its compact dimensions, measuring 90 cm in width, 140 cm in length, and 99 cm in height, make it suitable for operations in confined or complex terrains where larger vehicles might struggle to operate efficiently. Weighing 380 kg without payload, Barkan offers a payload capacity ranging from 200 to 400 kg, enabling it to carry a diverse array of mission-specific equipment, sensors, and weapon systems. It is powered by an electric motor propulsion system, providing quiet and efficient operation suited for stealth missions. The vehicle can operate continuously for up to 8 h, ensuring sustained mission effectiveness in the field.

Barkan is designed for portability and rapid deployment, and its operational temperature range spans from –20 °C to +52 °C, confirming its capability to function reliably in both extreme cold and high-heat environments. One of its standout features is its swarm infrastructure, which allows the UGV to perform coordinated missions alongside other land and aerial unmanned systems, all under a centralized command structure. This advanced interoperability makes Barkan a powerful asset in multi-platform, networked battlefield operations.

The move to serial production of Barkan highlights the successful integration of advanced robotic systems into Türkiye’s defense forces. As Barkan continues to evolve through further enhancements and international collaborations, it is set to play a transformative role in shaping the future of unmanned ground warfare, both domestically and globally.