Newsletters
Turkish drone giant Baykar's Bayraktar Akinci unmanned combat aerial vehicle (UCAV) operated by the Sudanese Armed Forces destroyed a Chinese-made FK-2000 air defense system used by the UAE-backed Rapid Support Forces (RSF) in South Kordofan.
As analysts say, it's the combat debut of TV-seeker-guided MAM munitions abroad.
The Sudan News Agency released footage showing the destruction of the FK-2000 system in the Ed Dubeibat area of South Kordofan.
The video shows the radar being struck after the launcher was destroyed.
Sudanese military sources said the FK-2000 air defense systems were supplied to the Rapid Support Forces by the United Arab Emirates, with transfers conducted through Chad.
The RSF had been actively using the FK-2000 system in clashes with Sudanese Armed Forces in the South Kordofan region. The paramilitary group had previously used FK-2000 systems to shoot down multiple Sudanese Air Force aircraft, UAVs and drones.
Sudanese military officials blamed RSF air defense assets for the loss of an Il-76 transport aircraft and various UAVs and aviation systems.
Analysis of footage from the UCAV's electro-optical/infrared system indicates the engagement used a MAM variant with a TV seeker, allowing man-in-the-loop guidance and extended range.
Photos show the FK-2000 on a crosshair matching the interface of the TV seeker developed for MAM-L and MAM-T glide munitions.
The video feed coloring indicates it is not an imaging infrared seeker, pointing to the TV seeker variant.
If confirmed, this represents not only the combat debut abroad for MITL-capable MAM variants but also a demonstration of potential for destruction of enemy air defense (DEAD) missions against better-equipped systems like the FK-2000.
The engagement was made possible by the extended range of MAM variants with imaging seekers. The new MAM-L variants with TV seekers reach 40 kilometers, while MAM-T variants achieve 65 kilometers due to better gliding performance.
By comparison, baseline MAM-L with a laser seeker reaches a maximum range of 15 kilometers.
Due to its small size, MAM-L TV can be carried in large numbers by AKINCI or other UCAVs of similar size.
Additionally, the small size and minimal infrared signature — due to having no propulsion — make MAM-L and MAM-T less likely to be detected in time or engaged effectively if detected.
The FK-2000 is a combined air defense system developed by China Aerospace Science and Industry Corporation, mounted on an 8x8 wheeled chassis. It integrates surface-to-air missiles with a turret equipped with two six-barrel 30mm cannons for close defense against air threats.
According to publicly available specifications, the FK-2000 missile system can neutralize aircraft at ranges of approximately 1.2 to 25 kilometers, with a shorter effective range against cruise missiles.
The system uses a combination of radar and optical tracking to detect, track and neutralize targets.
The system is designed to provide short and medium-range air defense protection for maneuvering forces and fixed positions.
Turkish defense industry offers a vast array of munitions for UCAV platforms, providing better survivability against air defense systems and quicker engagements on targets of opportunity.
Turbojet-powered standoff options include the Cakir compact cruise missile with over 200 kilometers range, Baykar's Kemankes 1 loitering munition with 100 kilometers range, and the recently tested EREN high-speed loitering munition, also reaching 100 kilometers.
Roketsan has also developed aeroballistic missiles UAV-230 with a 155-kilometer range and UAV-122 with a 55-kilometer range, featuring a supersonic terminal speed for reduced time to target.
Set as preferred source
Set as preferred source
4 min read
