BAKU — Bayraktar Teknolojileri Azerbaycan has unveiled KASIRGA, its first indigenously developed Vertical Take-Off and Landing (VTOL) loitering munition platform, during the 6th Azerbaijan International Defence Exhibition (ADEX 2026) at the Baku Expo Center. Engineered by local Azerbaijani engineers and technicians within Bayraktar’s regional technology development framework, the dual-role unmanned aerial system provides the Azerbaijani Armed Forces with organic precision-strike and real-time intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance (ISR) capabilities.
The KASIRGA platform integrates an AI-assisted flight control system and an electro-optical targeting package, enabling autonomous navigation, target tracking, and precision terminal engagement across contested battlefield environments. Its VTOL configuration eliminates the need for launch catapults or dedicated runway infrastructure, enabling rapid tactical deployment by forward infantry and special forces in rugged terrain. Designed for operational flexibility, the system can be configured for either explosive kinetic strikes or extended-range reconnaissance missions.
TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS: BAYRAKTAR TEKNOLOJİLERİ AZERBAYCAN KASIRGA VTOL LOITERING MUNITION
* System Classification: Dual-Role Vertical Take-Off and Landing (VTOL) Loitering Munition / Tactical ISR UAV
* Primary Developer & Manufacturer: Bayraktar Teknolojileri Azerbaycan (Azerbaijani engineering team)
* Public Debut: ADEX 2026 (6th Azerbaijan International Defence Exhibition, Baku Expo Center)
* Airframe & Launch Mechanics: Hybrid fixed-wing with multi-rotor VTOL capability for runway-independent operations
* Flight Performance Envelope:
* Cruise Speed: 64 KIAS (Knots Indicated Airspeed / ~118 km/h)
* Maximum Speed: 120 KIAS (~222 km/h)
* Service Ceiling: 10,000 feet (~3,050 meters)
* Operational Altitude: 4,000 feet (~1,220 meters)
* Dual-Mission Operational Configurations:
* Strike Profile: 60 km operational range with 30 minutes loitering endurance
* Reconnaissance (ISR) Profile: 90 km operational range with 50 minutes loitering endurance
* Payload & Sensor Integration:
* Kinetic Warhead: 4.5 kg high-explosive / fragmentation warhead package
* Optical Payload: Artificial Intelligence-supported Electro-Optical (EO) camera suite
* Guidance & Autonomy Suite: AI-assisted target acquisition, autonomous route navigation, automatic takeoff/landing, and resilient flight controls
