BAKU / ANKARA — Turkish defense enterprise FDI Technology (Falcon Dynamic Systems) has unveiled the Falcon 23-4M Lightning counter-unmanned aerial system (C-UAS) at the ADEX 2026 defense exhibition in Baku, Azerbaijan. The short-range air defense architecture modernizes four legacy twin-barrel 23 mm ZU-23-2 anti-aircraft gun mounts into a centralized, sensor-linked automated point-defense weapon system.
Designed for fixed and semi-fixed critical infrastructure protection, the mobile semi-trailer configuration integrates modern target acquisition radar, electro-optical/infrared (EO/IR) sensors, and digital automated target tracking into the proprietary Falcon Eye Air Guard fire-control architecture. The system provides a high-capacity, low-cost hard-kill solution against low-flying loitering munitions, reconnaissance drones, and one-way attack UAVs.
TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS: FALCON 23-4M LIGHTNING C-UAS 
* System Classification: Mobile Short-Range / Very Short-Range Counter-Drone Air Defense System (VSHORAD)
* Primary Manufacturer: FDI Technology (Falcon Dynamic Systems)
* Configuration & Mobility Architecture:
* Carrier Platform: Multi-axle semi-trailer chassis fitted with hydraulic stabilizing outriggers for emplacement
* Deployment Mode: Fixed or semi-fixed point defense (Airfields, logistics hubs, command centers)
* Deployment Status: Delivered to Azerbaijan in 2025 for integration and operational testing
* Kinetic Armament Suite:
* Primary Ordnance: 4 × ZU-23-2 Twin 23 mm Autocannon Mounts (8 total 23 mm barrels)
* Cyclic Rate of Fire: ~3,200 to 4,000 rounds per minute combined (burst-controlled via central FCS)
* Ammunition Compatibility: Standard 23×152mmB rounds (HEI-T, API-T, TP)
* Engagement Envelope (Manufacturer-Stated Data):
* Maximum Target Speed: Up to 650 km/h
* Effective Slant Range: Up to 2.5 km (2,500 meters)
* Maximum Engagement Altitude: Up to 1,000 meters
* Sensor Architecture & Fire Control Suite:
* Surveillance & Cueing Radar: Integrated BIRD radar station for 360-degree airspace monitoring
* Tracking Suite: High-resolution Electro-Optical / Infrared (EO/IR) optical tracking turret with thermal channels
* Fire-Control System (FCS): Falcon Eye Air Guard centralized automated fire-control computer
* Operational Mode: Remote operator console control with computerized lead calculation and automated target prioritization
