Turkish Military Starts Using Unmanned Ground Vehicles

Turkish Acrob IKA (UGV). (Source: Ministry of National Defense via Daily Sabah)

JAKARTA - The Turkish Armed Forces (TSK) have started using unmanned ground vehicles (UGVs), a statement from the Ministry of National Defense said on Wednesday.

"Unmanned ground vehicles, which make it possible to observe and enter areas that are impossible in any type of operation, have begun to be used in combat," the ministry said, citing the Daily Sabah of 29 September.

The ministry also attached an infographic for the Acrob, an UGV developed by Turkish manufacturer Elektroland Defense. The image underscores the Acrob's ability to maneuver, climb high obstacles, pass through water and observe.

Prior to the UGV Acrob, Turkey's defense industry had gained worldwide fame in recent years through a wide variety of products for military needs.

Turkish drones became famous worldwide after their deployment in Syria and Libya by TSK, as well as in Nagorno-Karabakh by the Azerbaijani army, paving the way for more export deals.

They dominated opposing ground forces during clashes in Idlib Province in February-March 2020, supported by smart munitions and use in conjunction with Turkish fighter jets flying over the country's airspace.

At Nagorno-Karabakh, Turkish UAVs dealt a heavy blow to the occupying Armenian forces. Defense experts later said Baku's swift victory was partly thanks to the use of Turkish and Israeli drones.

The Bayraktar TB2 drone has been sold to several countries, including Ukraine, Qatar, Azerbaijan and Poland. In May, Poland became the first EU and NATO member state to acquire drones from Turkey.

Saudi Arabia is also reportedly interested in buying Turkish drones. Latvia also hinted that it could become the second EU and NATO member state to acquire a Turkish drone. Albania is also interested in reaching an agreement for the procurement of Bayraktar TB2.