Turkish Aerospace Industries Boosts Missile Firing and Avionics Capabilities of Azerbaijan’s LAÇIN Su-25 Attack Aircraft.

On September 26, 2024, Turkish Aerospace Industries unveiled the LAÇIN modernization program for the Russian-made Su-25 attack aircraft of the Azerbaijani Air Force at ADEX 2024 in Azerbaijan. This ambitious project marks a significant milestone in the strategic cooperation between Azerbaijan and Türkiye, aiming to strengthen regional military capabilities through the integration of advanced technologies and cutting-edge munitions.

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Azerbaijani Lacin Su-25 Attack Aircraft Modernized by Turkish Aerospace Industries (Picture source: Army Recognition)

The LAÇIN modernization program is divided into two distinct phases: Merhale-1 and Merhale-2, each offering different levels of system integration to optimize the performance of the Su-25 attack aircraft.

The first phase, Merhale-1, serves as the foundation of the project by adding the UBAS (Aircraft-Independent Firing System) as a plug-and-play solution. This system allows for the integration of guided bombs KGK-82/83, TEBER-82, and cruise missiles SOM-B1 without altering the existing systems and capabilities of the Su-25. As of July 30, 2024, seven aircraft have been delivered under this phase. In 2023, a KGK-83 was successfully deployed from a Su-25 LAÇIN modernized to the Merhale-1 standard, demonstrating enhanced precision and efficiency thanks to the KGK’s wings, which provide an extended gliding range of over 100 km.

The second phase, Merhale-2, is more extensive and aims for a complete overhaul of the Su-25’s avionics. This phase includes modernizing the cockpit with digital displays, installing a central mission computer, new radios, an advanced communication link, an inertial navigation system (INS), and many other modern equipment. The Pre-Design Review (PDR) for Merhale-2 was conducted on May 23, 2024, paving the way for the integration of GPS-guided bombs HGK and cruise missiles SOM ŞAHİN, although no official information regarding the SOM ŞAHİN has been released yet.

At ADEX 2024, a modernized Su-25 featuring a new paint scheme was displayed alongside a SOM cruise missile, the KGK-83 wing guidance kit from TÜBİTAK SAGE for Mk83 GPBs, ROKETSAN’s Laser+GPS guided bomb TEBER-82, and ASELSAN’s laser-guided bomb QFAB-250-LG. The QFAB-250-LG, an evolution of ASELSAN’s LGK laser guidance kit adapted for Russian FAB-250 GPBs due to geometric differences, showcases Turkish innovation in adapting technologies to meet the specific needs of Azerbaijani forces.

The addition of ROKETSAN’s SOM-B1 cruise missile to the Azerbaijani Su-25 arsenal introduces a stand-off attack capability previously absent. Capable of reaching a range of over 250 km, the missile carries a HE-FRAG warhead. The SOM-B1’s guidance system comprises GNSS, INS, IIR seeker, and TERCOM, ensuring increased precision and reliability during missions.

The Azerbaijani Ministry of Defense and Turkish Aerospace Industries signed this crucial contract on July 26, 2023, during the 16th International Defense Industry Fair (IDEF’23). The ceremony brought together high-ranking officials from both nations, including Azerbaijan’s Deputy Minister of Defense, Agil Gurbanov, and Haluk Gorgun, Chairman of the Turkish Defense Industry Committee, underscoring the strategic importance of this partnership. This project aligns with a broader dynamic of military cooperation between Azerbaijan and Turkey, highlighted earlier this year by a memorandum of understanding signed for the joint manufacturing of unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) by Baykar and Azerbaijan.

By integrating advanced Turkish technologies into the Su-25, Azerbaijan aims not only to modernize its aerial fleet but also to enhance the operational efficiency and combat readiness of its Air Force. This modernization ensures greater autonomy and increased capacity to respond to future security challenges, solidifying Azerbaijan’s position as a key player in regional stability.

In summary, the LAÇIN modernization project undertaken by TUSAŞ represents a major advancement for the Azerbaijani Air Force, enhancing its military capabilities while demonstrating the strength of bilateral ties with Turkey. This strategic collaboration paves the way for increased security and sustainable stability in the region, effectively addressing modern defense and security requirements.

Azerbaijani Lacin Su-25 Attack Aircraft Modernized by Turkish Aerospace Industries (Picture source: Army Recognition)