The ŞİMŞEK target aircraft system developed by Turkish Aerospace Industries (TUSAŞ) took part in the Triple Eagle Exercise held in Konya with the participation of Türkiye, Azerbaijan, and Egypt. The system, which is in the inventory of the Turkish Air Force, successfully participated in the joint air operation, once again demonstrating its capabilities.
TUSAŞ’s ŞİMŞEK Took Part in an International Exercise for the First Time
The ŞİMŞEK target aircraft system developed by Turkish Aerospace Industries (TUSAŞ) carried out an international mission as part of the Türkiye, Azerbaijan, and Egypt Triple Eagle Exercise held in Konya. Participating alongside Turkish Air Force F-16 fighter aircraft and Azerbaijani Air Force Su-25 attack aircraft, ŞİMŞEK successfully completed joint operation scenarios.
In footage shared by the Ministry of National Defence, ŞİMŞEK was seen operating alongside Turkish F-16 fighter aircraft.
Air Assets of Three Countries Conducted Joint Operations in Konya
In a statement released by the Ministry of National Defence, it was announced that the Türkiye, Azerbaijan, and Egypt Triple Eagle Exercise, hosted by Türkiye, was successfully completed at the 3rd Main Jet Base Command.
As part of the exercise, the Turkish, Azerbaijani, and Egyptian air assets carried out joint operational scenarios, including:
- Air-to-air missions,
- Air-to-ground operations,
- Interception of low-speed aerial vehicles,
- Interception missions against cruise missiles.
The Ministry emphasized that the exercise contributed to improving combat effectiveness, interoperability, and joint mission capabilities.
ŞİMŞEK Is Actively Serving in the Turkish Air Force Inventory
The ŞİMŞEK system developed by TUSAŞ entered the inventory of the Turkish Air Force in March 2026.
The system, which can be used both as a tactical unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) and as a target aircraft, stands out with its high speed and long range.
ŞİMŞEK’s participation in an international exercise is regarded as an important milestone in testing the system’s operational capabilities in the field.
Stands Out with a Range Exceeding 900 Kilometers
ŞİMŞEK can adapt to different mission profiles with its technical capabilities.
Technical Specifications of ŞİMŞEK
- Range: More than 900 kilometers
- Maximum speed: 0.85 Mach (approximately 1,040 km/h)
- Operational altitude: 35,000 feet
- Mission endurance: Approximately 80 minutes
- Payload capacity: 50 kilograms
The system can be launched from ground-based platforms or air-launched from the AKSUNGUR UAV.
Its payload options include electronic warfare pods, radar and infrared decoy systems, and various mission equipment.
A Wide Mission Spectrum from Target Aircraft to Electronic Warfare
ŞİMŞEK offers multi-purpose operational capability for different mission requirements.
- Mission Areas of ŞİMŞEK
- Target aircraft simulation for air defense systems
- Electronic warfare (EW) missions
- Decoy missions designed to deceive enemy radars
- One-way attack (kamikaze) operations
- Fully autonomous flight
- Emergency landing capability with parachute support
Thanks to these features, ŞİMŞEK can be used across a wide range of missions, from training activities to real-world operations.
