ASELSAN shared test footage of the KORKUT 25 UAV Interceptor System, integrated into a 4x4 tactical vehicle, destroying a delta-winged UAV similar to Shahid-136.
In the images shared on October 12, ASELSAN showed KORKUT 25's shots against different classes of unmanned aerial vehicles. In the tests, it was seen that a rotary-wing drone as well as a delta wing target resembling the Iranian-made Shahid-136 were hit.
The system integrated into the 4×4 tactical vehicle was developed especially against small and low-cost air threats. The basic approach of KORKUT 25 is to neutralize close-range UAV threats by using a gun system and programmable smart ammunition instead of expensive air defense missiles.
In the images, it stands out that the system can shoot while moving. This capability offers the opportunity to be used not only in the protection of fixed facilities, but also in mobile air defense elements accompanying mobile units.
Technical features of KORKUT 25
KORKUT 25 is a close air defense system built around the 25 mm gun and ATOM 25 smart ammunition and can be integrated into different land vehicles. In the process ranging from target detection to fire control, electro-optical sensors benefit from automatic tracking and ballistic calculation capabilities.
The prominent features of the system are as follows:
25 mm weapon system: It is used against small air targets, especially mini and micro UAVs.
Artificial intelligence-supported target detection and diagnosis: Supports the process of identifying and classifying targets.
Electro-optical and infrared detection: Helps track targets in different visibility conditions.
Laser range finder: Supports target distance determination and fire control process.
Automatic ballistic calculation: It ensures that the shooting solution is created by taking into account the target's movement and shooting conditions.
Gyroscope stabilized structure: Supports the stability and target tracking of the weapon on moving platforms.
Remote control: Allows the operator to manage the weapon system from a protected position.
Integration into different vehicles: The system is designed to be adapted to 4×4, 6×6 and 8×8 wheeled vehicles as well as tracked platforms.
In previous demonstrations of KORKUT 25, it was seen that ASELSAN's AURA AESA radar was also used in target detection. The collaboration of radar and electro-optical systems supports tracking of targets with data obtained from different sensors.
How does ATOM 25 smart ammunition work?
One of the important components of KORKUT 25's anti-UAV capability is the ATOM 25 mm smart ammunition developed by ASELSAN. While hitting the target directly is of great importance in traditional artillery ammunition, ATOM 25 was designed to create a particle effect by detonating at a determined time near the target.
The explosion time of the ammunition is programmed at the exit of the barrel. The system can make timing correction by taking into account the measured muzzle velocity. Thus, the aim is for the ammunition to explode in an area close to the target.
The main technical features of ATOM 25 include:
Feature Description Caliber 25 mm Full shot weight Approximately 500 grams Muzzle velocity Approximately 1,100 m/s Warhead Pre-formed high explosive charge Fuze With electronic time program and self-destruct feature Stated effective range against air targets 1,200 meters Specified effective range against land targets 1,500 meters Shelf life 10 years
These values are included in the published technical document for ATOM 25 ammunition. Actual engagement distance may vary depending on factors such as target type, altitude, speed and environmental conditions.
Another feature of ATOM 25 is its resistance to electromagnetic interference. This feature is important for the operational reliability of the ammunition in environments where electronic warfare activities are intense.
AESA radar, electro-optical systems and automatic tracking
The effectiveness of KORKUT 25 is not only based on the shooting ability of the gun. The system needs to detect the target, track it, determine its distance and create the shooting solution.
In this process, radar, electro-optical sensors and fire control software undertake complementary tasks. While the AESA radar contributes to the detection and tracking of the target, the infrared camera and other electro-optical systems support the tracking of the target. The laser distance meter provides distance information that can be used in fire control.
The ability of artificial intelligence-supported software to classify targets and support the operator's decision process becomes important in the fight against UAVs with different sizes and mission profiles. Automatic ballistic calculation also aims to increase shooting accuracy by taking into account the difference between target movement and the flight characteristics of the ammunition.
Mobile air defense and integration into different platforms
KORKUT 25 was introduced for the first time at SAHA EXPO 2024. An integration option for the system into 4×4, 6×6 and 8×8 wheeled vehicles and tracked platforms has been announced. Its towed configuration was also exhibited at IDEF 2025.
This flexibility allows the same weapon system to be configured according to the mobility and mission needs of different units. While integration into wheeled vehicles contributes to the rapid relocation of the system, the towed solution offers a different deployment option in suitable task areas.
KORKUT 25's remote control and interoperability capabilities with external sensors make it an element that can be integrated into a wider air defense network. Thus, the system is positioned to work in coordination with other sensors and defense elements, rather than being a weapon platform seeking targets alone.
ÇELİKKUBBE's close air defense layer
Small UAVs and kamikaze drones pose a significant threat to air defense systems due to their low cost and ability to approach from different directions. Using high-cost interceptor missiles against these targets in any case can also create difficulties in terms of ammunition economy.
The combination of KORKUT 25 and ATOM 25 offers a gun-based interception option against such targets. Programmable ammunition aims to benefit from the particle effect, especially against small aircraft, by reducing the need to hit the target directly.
The system is among the close air defense solutions that can be evaluated within the scope of Turkey's layered air defense architecture ÇELİKKUBBE. The newly released test footage also reveals KORKUT 25's interception activities against rotary wing drones as well as delta wing targets such as Shahid-136.
