Through a series of new tests, ASELSAN continues to advance the local development of more sophisticated weaponry to equip both manned and unmanned aircraft of the Turkish Air Force, as well as to target the export market. The latest milestone involved a Turkish Air Force F-16 fighter jet, which played a key role in the launch tests of an inert bomb equipped with the new GÖZDE guidance kit.
Developed jointly by ASELSAN and the Defense Industries Research and Development Institute (TÜBİTAK SAGE), GÖZDE is an unpowered guidance kit for general-purpose bombs from the MK 82 family, which weigh 500 pounds.
In its official statement regarding the test, ASELSAN highlighted that the GÖZDE kit “…transforms MK 82 general-purpose bombs into guided munitions using an INS/GPS system and a laser seeker (LAB), allowing for highly accurate strikes on both stationary and high-speed mobile targets.”
As seen in the official video released on March 5, the test involved the launch of an inert bomb equipped with the GÖZDE kit from a Turkish Air Force F-16 fighter jet.
Although no further details were provided, it is likely that the F-16 used other designation systems to illuminate the target, which was a remotely operated pickup truck successfully hit by the inert bomb. However, the distance and altitude at the moment of the bomb’s release were not disclosed.
Despite the lack of these specifics, such tests and demonstrations further showcase the high level of sophistication achieved by Turkey’s defense industry, which comprises both private companies and research institutes. This progress continues to provide the country with an increasing degree of autonomy in supplying high-tech military equipment.
Finally, the Turkish company has indicated that this guidance kit can be used not only by the Turkish Air Force’s F-16 fighters but also by Baykar’s new Bayraktar Akıncı combat drones, demonstrating the strong collaboration between Turkish defense firms. As an example, the new drone recently completed its first flight equipped with the Murad 110-A radar developed by ASELSAN, which is also integrated into the country’s modernized Fighting Falcon Block 30 jets.
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