The “Ateş Serbest-2025” live-fire exercise demonstrated Türkiye’s advancements in indigenous and national defense technologies, featuring the debut of several new weapon systems. The event, held at the General Nahit Şenoğlu Firing and Training Area in Polatlı, Ankara, marked the first public display of the Steel Dome air defense system, Boran howitzer, Aslan unmanned ground vehicle, wire-guided drone, and swarm drone concept within the Turkish Armed Forces inventory.
The Distinguished Observer Day was attended by Minister of National Defense Yaşar Güler, Chief of General Staff Gen. Selçuk Bayraktaroğlu, Azerbaijani Chief of General Staff Gen. Kerim Veliyev, and commanders of the Land, Air, and Naval Forces. The event involved multiple branches, including the Special Forces Command, to demonstrate joint fire support coordination and the overall firepower of the Turkish Armed Forces (TSK).
First-Time Displays of Next-Generation Systems
Nearly 50 weapon systems participated in the live-fire demonstration, including F-16 fighter jets, ATAK attack helicopters, and unmanned ground and aerial vehicles. The Korkut air defense system, Boran 105 mm howitzer, and swarm drones were also used operationally for the first time.
Precision and Coordination on Display
Sniper teams hit targets at 600 m and 1 km using domestically produced KNT-76, Bora-12, and KN-12 rifles. Following these shots, machine-gun fire, guided drone strikes, and swarm drone attacks were executed in sequence.
In total, 82 domestically developed weapon systems were exhibited, including the multi-layered Steel Dome air defense system. After engineering units cleared mined zones, SARP stabilized weapon systems and bomb launchers engaged simulated enemy positions.
Combined Arms and Aerial Support
Tank and armored vehicle units accurately hit moving targets, performing “point shots” with Kornet missiles at distances of up to 5,000 m. New-generation Fırtına howitzers struck their targets with precision after mortar and artillery barrages.
Airborne logistics operations were supported by Sikorsky and CH-47 Chinook helicopters, which delivered ammunition to forward areas. ATAK helicopters fired rockets and 20 mm cannons, while F-16 jets executed strikes on multiple targets.
HÜRJET’s Spectacular Finale
The event concluded with a low-altitude flyby and demonstration flight by HÜRJET, symbolizing Türkiye’s growing capabilities in indigenous combat aircraft development.
