SAHA Bulletin | ISSUE 212 | 16.10.2026
SAHA BULLETIN Defence · Aerospace · Space · 11 – 16 October 2026
Weekly Bulletin · Week 42 · Issue 212

SAHA Bulletin

Defence · Aerospace · Space
A weekly news digest bringing together the key developments on Türkiye's defence, aerospace and space agenda in a single stream.
11 – 16 October 2026
From SAHA
This week's activities

SAHA İstanbul Attends Turkish–German Defence Industry Cooperation Meeting

Turkish–German Defence Industry Cooperation Meeting
Turkish–German Defence Industry Cooperation Meeting. Image: SAHA İstanbul.

SAHA İstanbul and its members took part in the Turkish–German Defence Industry Cooperation Meeting organised by the Central German Security Institute MISI (Mitteldeutsche Institut für Sicherheitsindustrie). The aim of the participation was to make the capabilities of SAHA İstanbul members and the Turkish defence industry visible within the German ecosystem and to explore opportunities for cooperation between the two countries' industries.

SAHA İstanbul Welcomes 57 New Members

Logos of SAHA İstanbul's 57 new members
SAHA İstanbul's new members. Image: SAHA İstanbul.

57 new members have joined SAHA İstanbul, the defence, aerospace and space cluster. With the new members, the cluster's production power, capabilities and cooperation network are expanding, while progress continues towards the goal of developing indigenous and national technologies. SAHA İstanbul welcomed its new members with the message "Together we are stronger!"

Source: SAHA İstanbul · LinkedIn


Top Story

SSB and ROKETSAN Sign Contract for ÇAKIR Cruise Missile Procurement

SSB and ROKETSAN executives at the ÇAKIR Cruise Missile signing ceremony
Signing ceremony for the ÇAKIR Cruise Missile procurement contract. Image: Anadolu Agency.

Türkiye's Presidency of Defence Industries (SSB) and ROKETSAN have signed the ÇAKIR Cruise Missile Procurement Contract for the Land Forces Command. The contract value, order quantity and definitive delivery schedule were not disclosed in the announcements. The contract shows that the indigenously developed ÇAKIR programme has moved into the formal procurement phase.

Source: Anadolu Agency

Highlight
The move from the development phase to a procurement contract means that the process of ÇAKIR entering the Land Forces inventory has formally begun.

AKSUNGUR Hits Target in First Firing with ASELSAN's TOLUN P Munition

AKSUNGUR UAV on the runway
AKSUNGUR UAV by Turkish Aerospace (TUSAŞ). Image: Anadolu Agency.

The TUSAŞ-built AKSUNGUR UAV has used ASELSAN's TOLUN P guided munition for the first time, hitting its target with full precision. According to the report, based on announcements by TUSAŞ and ASELSAN, the test is a new integration milestone that adds AKSUNGUR to the family of air platforms integrated with TOLUN P. The firing does not signify entry into the inventory or a serial production decision; the date on which the test was conducted was not disclosed separately.

Source: Anadolu Agency


TUSAŞ's AYAZ, SÜPER ŞİMŞEK and ŞİMŞEK K Systems Hit Targets at Ateş Serbest-2026

TUSAŞ jet-powered kamikaze UAVs at the firing range
TUSAŞ's jet-powered kamikaze UAV systems, Ateş Serbest-2026. Image: Anadolu Agency.

The AYAZ, SÜPER ŞİMŞEK and ŞİMŞEK K jet-powered kamikaze UAV systems developed by TUSAŞ struck ground targets in warhead-equipped flights as part of Ateş Serbest-2026. AYAZ demonstrated its capabilities at the event for the first time. The flights were recorded as firings demonstrating the systems' ability to destroy targets with live munitions.

Source: Anadolu Agency


STM Conducts Live-Fire Attack with Swarm of 20 KARGUs

Explosions on targets at the Ateş Serbest-2026 firing range
The moment the KARGU swarm hit its targets, Ateş Serbest-2026. Image: Milliyet / STM.

A swarm of 20 KARGU strike UAVs from STM, controlled by a single operator, split into two groups through distributed coordination and simultaneously attacked their targets with live munitions on the Distinguished Observer Day of Ateş Serbest-2026. According to STM's press release of 14 October, the company's munition-dropping UAV BOYGA also hit its target with an 81 mm munition during the same demonstration.

Source: STM · STM (EN)


Baykar Demonstrates Coordinated Swarm Mission with K2 and SİVRİSİNEK

Baykar K2 kamikaze UAV in flight
Baykar K2 Kamikaze UAV. Image: Anadolu Agency.

In a demonstration held in Polatlı on 13 October, five K2 Kamikaze UAVs took on the airborne control and coordination of 20 SİVRİSİNEK Smart Loitering Munitions, according to Baykar's announcement. AKINCI, TB2, the KALKAN VTOL UAV and KEMANKEŞ 1 also performed various tasks in the exercise. The company did not announce any new delivery or export contract alongside the demonstration.

Source: Baykar · Anadolu Agency


MKE TOLGA's 20 kW Laser System Destroys Drone Target at 760 Metres

MKE TOLGA laser weapon system at the firing range
MKE TOLGA laser weapon system. Image: MKE / DefenceTurk.

The 20 kW (4 × 5 kW) fibre laser solution integrated into the TOLGA close-in air defence architecture of Makine ve Kimya Endüstrisi (MKE) destroyed a drone target at a distance of 760 metres at Ateş Serbest-2026. The system was first unveiled to the public in May 2026; this week's demonstration proved the laser's ability to destroy a live target in the field.

Source: DefenceTurk


Italian Air Force Outlines Plan to Procure Six Astore Levante Aircraft

Astore Levante UAV at the Leonardo stand
Astore Levante of LBA Systems, the Baykar–Leonardo joint venture. Image: Defense News.

The acquisition of three systems / six air vehicles of the Astore Levante, a TB3 derivative assembled in Italy by the Baykar–Leonardo joint venture LBA Systems, is planned, according to a statement made by the Chief of the Italian Air Force in Rome on 12 October. According to Defense News, options for integrating MBDA munitions are being evaluated. The statement amounts to a plan; no new signed contract, definitive delivery date or first flight has yet been announced.

Source: Defense News


SolidAERO's ÇEPNİ Tactical UAV Family Completes First Field Mission

ÇEPNİ tactical UAV on a vehicle-mounted launch ramp
SolidAERO ÇEPNİ tactical UAV. Image: Anadolu Agency.

The ÇEPNİ tactical UAV family, developed by SolidAERO on a common modular fuselage architecture, has completed its first field mission, serving as a target drone during the development of a defence system. The system can be made mission-ready by a single operator in under 30 minutes and can be launched from a ramp or pneumatic catapult without the need for a runway.

Source: Anadolu Agency


ASELSAN Showcases Air Defence, Radar and Electronic Warfare Systems at Ateş Serbest-2026

ASELSAN air defence systems at the exercise area
ASELSAN systems, Ateş Serbest-2026. Image: Anadolu Agency.

ASELSAN's radar, electronic warfare and directed energy systems within the Steel Dome (ÇELİK KUBBE) architecture were presented at the Ateş Serbest-2026 demonstration. The systems featured in the exercise as part of the display and demonstration; no separate test results or inventory deliveries were announced for them.

Source: Anadolu Agency


HAVELSAN Brings Unmanned Air and Surface Vehicles Under Joint Command and Control

UAV on a HAVELSAN-branded unmanned surface vessel
USV-12 unmanned surface vessel and SAGAN UAV. Image: Anadolu Agency.

HAVELSAN has demonstrated the coordinated mission execution of naval and air assets using the VN Deniz Teknolojileri USV-12 unmanned surface vessel and the ASİSGUARD SAGAN UAV. The demonstration stands out for the joint management and interoperability of unmanned platforms from different companies; no customer order has been announced.

Source: Anadolu Agency


Başoğlu Kablo and Erat Kablo Sign Defence Industry Cooperation Protocol

Participants at the cooperation protocol signing ceremony
Protocol signing ceremony. Image: Anadolu Agency.

Başoğlu Kablo and Erat Kablo have signed a cooperation protocol for technology and product development in defence and aerospace cabling solutions. The protocol is a framework of intent and joint R&D; no value or firm production order was disclosed.

Source: Anadolu Agency


World Agenda
Defence Industry Worldwide
The week's 10 key international developments — 11 – 16 October 2026.
Launch of a Coyote interceptor
01 · USA · Qatar · Jordan

Raytheon Wins $729M in Counter-Drone Contracts for US, Qatar and Jordan

The contracts, worth a total of $729 million, cover the supply of KuRFS radars and Coyote interceptors in fixed and mobile LIDS configurations. RTX announced that the Qatar and Jordan orders are the first international sales of KuRFS and Coyote.

Why it matters: Counter-UAS systems are now a product class exported to customers outside the US; the Gulf has become the first stop in this market.
RTX →
Lockheed Martin executives cutting a ribbon at the Grand Prairie facility
02 · USA

Lockheed Martin to Invest $300M in Munitions Production in Texas

Lockheed Martin announced a $300 million investment to expand its Grand Prairie operation, along with an advanced manufacturing partnership with Hadrian. The facility supports the PAC-3 MSE, THAAD, PrSM and JATM programmes; the company's broader US-wide plan aims to create 6,000 new jobs.

Why it matters: Rising demand for interceptor missiles is feeding back directly into capital investment in production lines.
Lockheed Martin →
Lockheed Martin and Avio executives shaking hands in front of missiles
03 · USA · Italy

Lockheed Martin and Avio Team Up on Solid Rocket Motor Production

The two companies' strategic cooperation aims to expand solid rocket motor production capacity. Once the qualification process is complete, the initial focus is planned to be on ER GMLRS and PrSM motors.

Why it matters: Motor supply is the bottleneck in missile production; the West is spreading second production sources across both sides of the Atlantic.
Lockheed Martin →
Visualisation of the Steelfin interceptor missile
04 · USA

Anduril Unveils Modular Steelfin Interceptor Missile Family

Anduril's Steelfin family is being developed against a wide range of threats, from low-cost UAVs to ballistic and manoeuvring advanced missiles. The company's serial production targets do not yet represent actual production or completed firing tests.

Why it matters: The race to bring down the cost curve of interceptor missiles is carrying new-generation defence companies directly into the territory of prime contractors.
Anduril →
Ukrainian soldier in the field with a Starlink antenna
05 · Ukraine · USA

Starshield Restrictions Disrupt Ukraine's Military UAV Missions

Ukrainian officials said that UAV missions and some field communication tasks had been disrupted by restrictions placed on fast-moving terminals in Starshield, SpaceX's military satellite service. Reuters reported on 15 October that the decision came from within the White House; the decision-making process is disputed.

Why it matters: Dependence on a commercial provider's satellite network can turn into an operational vulnerability on the front line.
Reuters →
Cargo ship with hull damaged in a UAV attack in the Black Sea
06 · Bulgaria · NATO

Bulgaria Seeks NATO Counter-Drone Support After Black Sea Ship Attacks

Following UAV attacks on merchant ships in the Black Sea on 13 October, Bulgaria announced on 16 October that it had formally applied to NATO for support with fighter aircraft and counter-UAS systems. Responsibility for the attacks has not been officially established.

Why it matters: The maritime security crisis in the Black Sea is making counter-UAS capacity an urgent need on NATO's eastern flank.
Reuters →
Night view of an early warning radar facility
07 · USA

Raytheon to Modernise US Space Force Early Warning Radars

Raytheon will take part in the US Space Force's Ground-Based Radar Digitization (GBRD) programme. The programme envisages modernising early warning and space surveillance radars with an open digital architecture and, after prototype validation, rolling this out to other sites; the contract value was not disclosed.

Why it matters: Missile early warning infrastructure is moving to a software-defined, upgradable architecture.
RTX →
GBU-43/B MOAB test drop (file photo)
08 · USA · Iran

US Reportedly Weighs Use of MOAB Against Iran

According to a CNN report citing officials, the US military is considering the GBU-43/B MOAB munition among possible new operational options against Iran. The report does not signify an operation that has taken place or a definitive decision to use it; Reuters said it could not independently verify the claim.

Why it matters: The largest bomb in the conventional arsenal signals that planning against hardened targets is back on the agenda.
Reuters →
Satellite image of a facility damaged after an attack
09 · Gulf

Reuters Investigation Finds at Least 135 Strikes on 84 Critical Infrastructure Sites in the Gulf

According to a Reuters data study, since 28 February 2026 Iran and affiliated forces have carried out at least 135 precision strikes on 84 critical infrastructure sites in the Gulf. The investigation examines the protection of ports, airports, energy and logistics facilities from the perspective of layered air defence and counter-UAS.

Why it matters: Critical infrastructure has become a priority protection area for air defence; demand for layered defence is fuelled by this data.
Reuters →
Interceptor missile launched from a Patriot system (representative)
10 · Ukraine

Ukraine's Patriot Interceptor Stocks Reportedly Fall to Critical Levels

According to a report by The Washington Post on 15 October, Ukraine's Patriot interceptor stocks are under severe pressure due to intensifying missile attacks and supply bottlenecks. Figures on stock levels have not been independently verified.

Why it matters: In protracted conflicts, what proves decisive is interceptor missile production capacity and the speed of stock replenishment.
The Washington Post →
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