Turkish Defense Firm Innovates with Grenade Launcher-Armed Drone

Advancement in Drone Weaponry

A Turkish defense company has made significant strides in Drone Technology by successfully testing a grenade-launcher equipped drone.

The innovation, developed by Asisguard in collaboration with Repkon Defense Systems, marks a new era in unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) capabilities, reports The Defense Post.

The Songar Drone’s Impressive Arsenal

During the test, the Songar drone, a product of Asisguard, was equipped with the RDS40-MGL, a six-barrel rotary grenade launcher developed by Repkon.

Weighing 5.4 kilograms (12 pounds), this 40MM grenade launcher is significantly lighter than similar weapon systems, offering a distinct tactical advantage.

The launcher is capable of firing 40×46 mm caliber ammunition up to 400 meters (1,312 feet) and 40×53 mm caliber rounds as far as 800 meters.

Multi-Functional and Versatile Design

The collaboration between Asisguard and Repkon began with an agreement in 2022 and has since focused on integrating various types of ammunition and payloads into the Songar drone.

Prior tests included a 5.56-millimeter gun. Asisguard CEO Baris Duzgun highlighted their commitment to expanding the drone’s arsenal, with future plans for integration with laser weapons and missiles.

The Songar drone is designed to be versatile, compatible with a range of ammunition and payloads. This approach eliminates the need for designing multiple drone types for different operational needs.

Technical Specifications

The Songar drone is a 25-kilogram (55 pound) multicopter with a range of 16 kilometers (10 miles) and a flight altitude of 2.8 kilometers (2 miles).

It is equipped with advanced features including a camera for real-time video transmission, a laser range finder, and the capability for swarm operations.

This latest development in drone technology by the Turkish defense firm underscores the rapid advancements in UAV capabilities.

The successful integration of a lightweight, effective grenade launcher on the Songar drone represents a significant leap in military drone applications, enhancing tactical options for security forces.