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Türkiye unveiled two advanced aircraft bombs developed by its National Defense Ministry's Research and Development (R&D) Center at the 17th International Defense Industry Fair (IDEF 2025), showcasing significant improvements in military strike capabilities.
The GAZAP (Wrath) and HAYALET (Ghost) bombs were displayed publicly for the first time at the defense exhibition, which concludes Monday at Istanbul Fair Center.
Both weapons represent major technological advances in Türkiye's domestic defense manufacturing capabilities. Footage from HAYALET's test shows the munitions' performance against their targets.
The center's Director, Nilufer Kuzulu, stated that both bombs have completed the qualification and certification processes.
"GAZAP is a standard 2,000-pound MK84 aircraft bomb,” said Kuzulu. "But unlike its conventional counterparts, it features a fragment-based structure with 10,000 particles. These fragments disperse within a one-kilometer radius upon detonation."
Kuzulu noted that traditional munitions typically disperse around three fragments per square meter. "GAZAP disperses 10.16 fragments per square meter. This makes it three times more powerful than standard MK-series bombs," she said.
Kuzulu also explained that the bomb’s modified filler and internal ribbed structure significantly enhance its blast impact. "This design mimics the effect of a defensive grenade, breaking apart into controlled fragments instead of random steel pieces," she added.
The GAZAP bomb can be deployed from Türkiye’s F-16 and F-4 fighter jets, and possibly in the future from its drones since all the systems exhibited by the Defense Ministry’s R&D Center are stated to be "suitable for development."
According to Kuzulu, HAYALET—also referred to as NEB-1 and NEB-2—is a next-generation penetration bomb designed to pierce hardened structures. "Standard bombs penetrate 1.8 to 2.4 meters into reinforced concrete. Our bomb penetrates 7 meters of C50 concrete—commonly used in bridges, viaducts, and nuclear facilities," she said.
Kuzulu detailed a recent live test: "We dropped the bomb from an aircraft onto an island. It penetrated 90 meters through rock and earth. The island is 160 meters wide. After detonation, we detected effects across the full width and even on the rear side."
The bomb was tested on reinforced blocks composed of C50 concrete and 25 mm ribbed steel, with internal cage systems simulating real-world fortifications. "After passing through multiple steel cages and a 10-meter sand pool, the bomb also broke through a 1.5-ton concrete wall and traveled 600 meters further," Kuzulu said.
The HAYALET bomb is fully compatible with F-16 aircraft and existing Turkish munition kits.
"80% of the products we’re showcasing have completed qualification and certification. The rest have completed lab testing and are now in field trials," Kuzulu said.
She emphasized that both GAZAP and HAYALET are NATO-standard, fully certified, and available for immediate operational deployment.
Kuzulu also noted the ongoing development of an air-to-air missile with a planned range of 180 kilometers. "We've completed the guidance system. Firing and certification tests are expected by the end of the year," she said, adding that the tests will be conducted with the 401st Squadron.
"MoD R&D has been active for 12 years, but this is the first time we’re appearing publicly. We are presenting 44 products at IDEF 2025, with many more in the pipeline," Kuzulu stated.
She added, "Engineers, soldiers, and scientists work together here. This year, we decided to showcase our products and projects as a ministry. We will continue to exhibit more items as their qualifications are completed."
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