Türkiye unveils MERKUT FPV kamikaze drone

Türkiye has introduced the MERKUT First Person View (FPV) kamikaze drone, developed by SAVX Technology, marking a new step in combat drone technology.

The drone, first showcased at SAHA EXPO 2024, has completed rigorous testing and is now ready for operational deployment.

The MERKUT drone is designed for enhanced battlefield efficiency, featuring a guided fragmentation warhead, advanced safety mechanisms, and a proximity sensor for automated detonation—capabilities aimed at improving operator efficiency and mission success rates.

MERKUT FPV drone: Key features and capabilities

According to Abdullah Aktas, founder of SAVX Technology, the company has been working on MERKUT for nearly eight months, focusing on design validation, warhead integration, and safety enhancements.

• Flight time: 20 minutes
• Range: 8 kilometers
• Warhead: Directed fragmentation system with 950 shrapnel pieces
• Detonation system: Proximity sensor enabling detonation between 20 cm and 5 meters from the target
• Safety: Mechanical and electronic arming system to prevent unintended detonation
• Resilience: Designed to withstand electronic warfare disruptions

“FPV drones have transitioned from hobbyist technology to military use, particularly in the Russia-Ukraine war. Ensuring safety in these systems is critical. We integrated a secure arming mechanism and an advanced detonation system to enhance both safety and operational effectiveness,” Aktas stated.

Enhanced precision with automated detonation

One of MERKUT’s most notable features is its proximity-based detonation, which allows the warhead to automatically explode at an optimal distance from the target. This feature removes the burden from the drone operator, who would otherwise need to manually determine the detonation point while steering the drone.

“Operators can now focus solely on targeting, as the system automatically triggers detonation at the ideal range for maximum impact,” Aktas explained.

The fail-safe mechanism allows for safe landing and reusability in the event of mission cancellation, preventing accidental explosions.

Future upgrades: Armor-piercing warhead and AI integration

SAVX Technology is already working on upgraded versions of MERKUT, including:

• Armor-piercing warheads for increased penetration against fortified targets
• Fiber-optic communication to counter electronic warfare threats
• AI-based target tracking and autonomous engagement systems

“Software is the most valuable asset in drone technology. We are actively improving target detection and tracking algorithms to maximize mission success,” Aktas noted.

SAVX Technology’s in-house development of electronic components, including flight control boards and propulsion systems, ensures cost-efficiency and scalability for mass production.

MERKUT’s role in modern warfare

According to SAVX Technology General Manager Adnan Iman, the rise of FPV drones in modern conflicts—such as the Ukraine war—demonstrates their cost-effectiveness against traditional high-cost military systems.

“FPV drones have reshaped battlefield dynamics. Their low cost, high effectiveness, and adaptability have made them indispensable. Türkiye is at the forefront of this revolution, ensuring our solutions meet the demands of modern warfare,” Iman stated.

MERKUT is operationally ready, offering secure remote operation, day-and-night combat capabilities, and all-weather functionality, including resistance to heavy rainfall.