IDEF 2025: Aselsan’s KORKUT 130/25 SB Targets Drone Swarms with Precision Mobile Firepower.

At the IDEF 2025 exhibition held in Istanbul, Aselsan unveils one of its latest developments in close-range air defense: the KORKUT 130/25 SB anti-drone system. Designed to address the growing threat posed by miniature and micro-UAVs on modern battlefields, the system combines a 25 mm airburst cannon, automated fire control algorithms, and a mobile platform adapted to contemporary tactical requirements. The introduction of this new variant within the KORKUT family reflects the increasing operational emphasis on hard-kill capabilities in electronic warfare and force protection strategies.
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At the core of the system is a 25 mm cannon firing programmable airburst munitions, referred to as ATOM rounds (Picture source: Army Recognition)

Recent conflicts in Ukraine, the South Caucasus, and the Middle East have highlighted how small drones are reshaping tactical dynamics. Easy to manufacture, low-cost, and often expendable, these drones are employed for reconnaissance, artillery correction, or even direct strikes against troops, vehicles, or logistical nodes. Their widespread use now compels armed forces to adopt systems capable of detecting and neutralizing such threats in real time. Unlike soft-kill methods such as jamming, which may be ineffective against autonomous drones, hard-kill solutions provide a definitive response. In this context, the 130/25 SB emerges as a practical and readily deployable asset.

At the core of the system is a 25 mm cannon firing programmable airburst munitions, referred to as ATOM rounds. These rounds detonate near the target using an electronic fuse and programming unit, creating a cloud of sub-projectiles to increase the likelihood of neutralizing even very small UAVs. This technology compensates for the speed, maneuverability, and low radar signature of modern drones. With an effective range reportedly exceeding 1,000 meters, the system is suited to the protection of bases, convoys, or forward positions within a close-radius zone, where longer-range systems may be either inefficient or prohibitively expensive to deploy.

Mobility is a central feature of the KORKUT 130/25 SB. Designed for integration onto armored or tactical platforms, it can accompany frontline units or be integrated into multi-layered defense frameworks. This configuration ensures continuous anti-drone coverage even while on the move. The system also supports distributed architecture, enabling coordination among multiple units and enhancing protection in dynamic operational environments. This deployment mode aligns with current network-centric warfare doctrines, where cooperation among systems improves engagement flexibility and response efficiency.

In terms of sensors, the system incorporates a high-precision stabilized electro-optical suite, allowing visual identification and automatic tracking of threats. Coupled with a fire control unit powered by advanced algorithms, the system operates with a high degree of autonomy, easing operator workload and enhancing responsiveness. This level of automation is particularly relevant in countering coordinated drone attacks designed to saturate defenses with multiple simultaneous vectors. A 7.62 mm coaxial machine gun provides a secondary means of engagement against ground threats or low-value aerial targets.

Aselsan, a major player in Türkiye’s defense industry, has developed radar, optronic, and command systems for national armed forces for several decades. By adapting its technological base to the drone threat, the company signals its intent to deliver modular solutions compatible with existing defense networks. The presentation of the 130/25 SB at IDEF 2025 may represent a step toward wider regional and possibly international dissemination of the system. The growing demand for short-range hard-kill capabilities, combined with interest from state actors in locally sourced or supply-chain-independent solutions, offers Aselsan new export prospects in a strained geopolitical environment.