HAVELSAN has taken a bold step in autonomous defense technology with the introduction of BULUT, a next-generation reconnaissance and surveillance UAV. This advanced drone, now actively deployed by Turkish security forces, strengthens the country’s unmanned aerial capabilities.
Building upon the success of BAHA, BULUT marks another milestone in HAVELSAN’s rapidly expanding robotic autonomous systems portfolio. Developed under the leadership of the Presidency of Defense Industries (SSB), BULUT successfully passed rigorous testing before officially entering the inventories of the Turkish Armed Forces and the General Directorate of Security.
Unmatched Endurance and Performance in Harsh Conditions
BULUT boasts six hours of continuous flight time, operating independently of GNSS (Global Navigation Satellite System). With a 5 kg payload capacity and an 80-kilometer operational range, it ensures long-duration, high-precision surveillance and reconnaissance.
The UAV’s electric motor system enables vertical takeoff and landing, eliminating the need for a runway. Once airborne, its gasoline-powered internal combustion engine takes over, maximizing endurance. BULUT is designed to perform in light rain and snowfall, making it a reliable asset in diverse operational environments.
Advanced Features for Mission Superiority
Equipped with an EO/IR/LRF-integrated camera system, BULUT provides real-time intelligence with high-resolution imaging. The drone’s handover capability allows seamless mission control transfers between multiple ground stations, ensuring uninterrupted surveillance.
BULUT also integrates moving object detection, collision avoidance, and anti-jamming technologies, making it ideal for border patrols, counter-smuggling missions, counter-terrorism operations, law enforcement tasks, and even wildfire response. Security forces also utilize BULUT for post-disaster search and rescue, oil and gas pipeline security, energy infrastructure inspections, and environmental monitoring.
Industry Leaders Praise BULUT’s Rapid Development
HAVELSAN General Manager Dr. Mehmet Akif Nacar emphasized the drone’s alignment with SSB’s operational expectations. “BULUT’s swift integration into active duty stems from our team’s ability to respond quickly to security forces’ needs. This UAV will provide undeniable operational superiority,” he stated.
HAVELSAN Deputy General Manager for Simulation, Autonomous, and Platform Management Technologies, Muhittin Solmaz, described BULUT as a game-changer. “After BAHA, BULUT further strengthens our security forces with advanced capabilities. We have complete confidence in its performance,” he said.
HAVELSAN Product Development and ELD Director Veysel Ataoğlu confirmed that BULUT is already in the field. “Following BARKAN and BAHA, BULUT has successfully completed SSB’s acceptance processes. Field feedback helps us continuously improve the system, and we are already working on new versions of BULUT,” he added.
Turkey’s UAV Arsenal Expands
Since 2019, HAVELSAN has been building a platform ecosystem integrating unmanned aerial, ground, and naval vehicles. The rapid development and deployment of BULUT demonstrate the company’s commitment to cutting-edge autonomous defense technologies.
With its state-of-the-art surveillance, advanced autonomy, and combat-ready resilience, BULUT cements its place as a force multiplier for Turkish security forces. As HAVELSAN continues innovating, the next generation of autonomous UAVs is already on the horizon.
