Turkey has revealed two advanced non-nuclear weapons at the 17th International Defence Industry Fair in Istanbul, showcasing its ambitions as a major defence exporter. The event provided a platform for the unveiling of these powerful new systems designed to enhance the nation’s military capabilities.
The first weapon, designated GAZAP (Wrath), is a conventional aircraft bomb featuring a 970-kilogramme warhead. Classified as a thermobaric weapon, sometimes known as a vacuum bomb, it generates an intense explosion by mixing fuel with oxygen from the surrounding air. A secondary charge ignites following the initial detonation, significantly amplifying its destructive power compared to similar conventional bombs. State-linked media has described it as NATO’s most powerful air-launched conventional weapon, boasting a blast radius reaching one kilometre.
The second bomb, named Hayalet (Ghost), serves as a bunker-buster. Engineered for hardened targets, it is capable of penetrating up to seven metres of reinforced concrete. Both weapons share similar deployment characteristics, compatible with US F-16 fighter jets and weighing nearly one tonne each.
The unveiling aligns with Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan’s stated priorities. As he outlined in June, Turkey aims to strengthen its deterrence capabilities to prevent potential aggression. This commitment was further emphasized following the recent 12-day conflict between Iran and Israel, during which Erdogan announced accelerated plans for increased production of medium- and long-range missiles.
The display of these advanced systems at a major international defence fair signals Turkey’s growing role in the global arms market and its continued focus on developing indigenous military technology to bolster regional security posture.
