New remote-controlled weapon system integrated into Barkan

Turkish defense firm Samsun Yurt Savunma and its subsidiary Canik successfully integrated the Trakon Lite remote-controlled weapon system into Havelsan’s Barkan

Turkish defense firm Samsun Yurt Savunma (SYS), along with its subsidiary Canik, has achieved a significant milestone by successfully developing and integrating the Trakon Lite remote-controlled weapon system (RCWS) into Havelsan’s unmanned ground vehicle (UGV), Barkan.

According to the company’s announcement, Canik’s subsidiary Unirobotics played a pivotal role in incorporating the advanced Trakon Lite technology into the Barkan UGV project.

Havelsan’s collaboration with Unirobotics on this project signifies a strategic partnership in advancing military technology. Additionally, the Turkish Armed Forces’ acquisition of Repkon Defense’s 40-millimeter automatic grenade launcher demonstrates their commitment to integrating advanced intelligent systems into their arsenal, enhancing their capabilities.

Omur Bac, the general manager of Unirobotics, highlighted that the defense industry is witnessing substantial progress in UGVs, paralleling the advancements made in UAVs.

Bac reported observing Trakon Lite on the shipyard Dearsan’s unmanned surface vehicle Salvo recently. He also emphasized their intent to leverage substantial export potential, aiming to generate additional value in the near future.

He mentioned that foundation and private companies are creating and using UGVs in unique ways. Unirobotics’ Trakon Lite and Repkon 40-millimeter automatic grenade launchers, developed by Havelsan’s Barkan, equip these vehicles. The TSK and other friendly and allied countries intend to use these vehicles.

“Currently, we are enjoying the joy and satisfaction of successfully executing a novel project based on a distinct concept. We are confident that unmanned systems will greatly decrease our nation’s reliance on foreign sources and deliver significant economic benefits,” he said. 

Established in 2020 as a subsidiary of Canik, Unirobotics specializes in the development of advanced mechatronic solutions to enhance the utilization of weapon systems integrated into various platforms.

Unirobotics specializes in the design and production of intelligent mechanisms that aid and enhance weapon systems’ operation. They offer advancements in active balanced weapon pedestals, remote-controlled weapon systems, and weapon management systems for land, sea, and air platforms.

Havelsan Barkan UGV

The Turkish security forces acquired Barkan in July 2023. Barkan, with a top speed of 12 kilometers per hour, weighs 500 kilograms. Equipped with a 7.62 mm weapon system, a robotic arm for bomb disposal, load carrying, and towing capabilities, as well as day and night patrol x and 3D mapping features, the vehicle will serve as a reliable companion to military units in future operational areas. It can be controlled remotely or operated autonomously. Barkan’s swarm infrastructure enables collaborative operations involving multiple land and air vehicles, all coordinated from a centralized control center.

Source: AA