Turkey is Testing a New Laser Drone

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A new laser-equipped drone was tested by the Turkish military. The bomb disposal drone is capable of penetrating a carbon steel plate using a high-powered laser beam.

According to the state-run Anadolu Agency, the “Eren” drone fired a laser from 100 to 500 meters (328 to 1,640 feet) away, burning a hole in three millimeters of steel in 90 seconds.

Developed by Asisguard and Tubitak, the laser-equipped drone is designed to destroy explosive devices and has a maximum flight altitude of 3,000 meters (9,842 feet).

The drone will be transferred to the Turkish armed forces after completing testing.

Other drone systems developed by Turkey include the Bayraktar TB2 unmanned aerial vehicle designed to bolster the country’s defenses amid evolving aerial threats. Last month, Turkish aerospace firm Baykar Defence announced that it would supply more Bayraktar TB2 combat drones to the Ukrainian armed forces to strengthen its defense capabilities. Morocco has also reportedly received its first delivery of Bayraktars, according to thedefensepost.com.

Turkey also manufactures the Anka drone, which can carry up to 200 kilograms (440 pounds) of payload. The Anka features a next-generation electro-optic camera for capturing high-resolution imagery and video day and night. It also includes an identification friend or foe (IFF) system, laser designator, and laser range finder.