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Turkish Armed Forces' new Bazna kamikaze drone could take off from underwater for surprise attacks.


As reported by Defence Turk on January 29, 2025, the Bazna drone, developed by the Turkish company Dönmezoğlu Bilişim, has officially entered the inventory of the Turkish Armed Forces. Able to take off while submerged, as demonstrated at the Saha 2024 exhibition, the Bazna kamikaze drone was recently observed during a visit by Turkish Land Forces Commander General Selçuk Bayraktaroğlu and Azerbaijani Deputy Minister of Defense and Land Forces Commander Lieutenant General Hikmet Mirzeyev to the 6th Corps and Joint Special Task Force Command in Kilis Çıldıroba.
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Designed to operate effectively under signal jamming conditions due to its advanced communication technology, the drone is also suited for reconnaissance and surveillance missions in addition to its kamikaze function. (Picture source: Dönmezoğlu Bilişim)


Developed at Dönmezoğlu Bilişim’s Ankara facilities, which operate under the Dönmezoğlu Group managed by Osman Dönmez, the Bazna drone was first deployed in the field in 2023. Since then, it has been used in various military operations under conditions that included interference from multiple jamming systems. To ensure operational reliability, this FPV drone has been tested against modern jamming systems developed by Turkish defense industry firms such as Aselsan. Dönmezoğlu Bilişim Deputy General Manager Mustafa Soydan noted that the drone has demonstrated notable signal stability, with no recorded instances of signal loss-related failures.

Designed to operate effectively under signal jamming conditions due to its advanced communication technology, the drone is also suited for reconnaissance and surveillance missions in addition to its kamikaze function. In the latter role, it is capable of carrying various munitions, including a 660-shrapnel-effect ball weighing 350 grams. This payload features a non-explosive composition, a diameter of 107 millimeters, and a tolerance of ±5 millimeters.

By 2024, the Bazna drone had been incorporated into NATO’s inventory. This Turkish system stands out for its resistance to electronic disruption, water-resistant structure, and thermal imaging capabilities for night operations. Equipped with adaptive munitions, a four-stage security system, and FPV goggles for real-time visual feedback, the drone offers tactical advantages on modern battlefields. Its vertical takeoff and landing (VTOL) capability, including while underwater (as demonstrated at the Saha 2024 exhibition), further enhances its deployment across diverse terrains.

Technically, the Bazna drone has a maximum operational range of 9 kilometers and a flight duration of approximately 15 minutes. With a takeoff weight of 1,780 grams, it can carry a payload of 600 grams, reaching a maximum flight weight of 2,200 grams. The drone can achieve speeds of up to 120 kilometers per hour and operates within temperature ranges of -10°C to 45°C. Its compact dimensions of 390×390×180 millimeters contribute to its portability and deployment efficiency.

In Türkiye, the Bazna drone has also been employed in border security operations and is under consideration for integration with unmanned marine vehicles. Discussions are ongoing among naval officials regarding its possible applications in maritime operations. Given its versatility, the Bazna drone has attracted interest from multiple countries, suggesting potential use in future naval operations.


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