Sarsılmaz’s autonomous weapon system SARBOT, the limited-edition SAR 2023 pistol produced for the 100th anniversary of the Republic, the 25mm land artillery system, and the weapon-integrated drone attracted significant attention from visitors at IDEF’23.
As one of Turkey’s leading defense industry manufacturers, Sarsılmaz Silah Sanayi presented its latest products at the International Defense Industry Fair IDEF’23. Now in its 16th edition, IDEF has become a key platform for promotion, marketing, and collaboration in the defense and security sectors. The fair was held at the Tüyap Fair and Congress Center under the auspices of the Presidency, hosted by the Ministry of National Defense, managed by the Turkish Armed Forces Foundation (TSKGV), and organized by Tüyap Fuarcılık Yapım A.Ş.
At the fair, Sarsılmaz showcased SARBOT, its renewed autonomous weapon system, which was first introduced at last year’s SAHA Expo. Designed to accommodate various payloads and adaptable for multiple operational scenarios, SARBOT once again drew considerable interest from attendees.
Shaping the Future of Unmanned Weapon Systems
Speaking at a press briefing at IDEF’23, Sarsılmaz Deputy General Manager Öner Özyılmaz highlighted the company’s 143-year history of pioneering achievements in Turkey’s defense industry. Özyılmaz emphasized that Sarsılmaz continues to present cutting-edge innovations, including the 20mm T-129 Atak helicopter nose gun, 25mm land artillery system, SARBOT, 5.56mm machine gun, the weapon-integrated drone, and the limited-edition SAR 2023 pistol commemorating the Republic’s centennial.
“SARBOT is over 75% locally produced”
Özyılmaz noted that the initial version of SARBOT, introduced at SAHA Expo, laid the groundwork for a vision of robotic weaponry. The latest SARBOT boasts over 75% domestic production, with all software, mechanical components, and electronics developed in Turkey. The remaining parts are being localized to achieve full 100% Turkish content. He added, “Our teams in Ankara and Istanbul continue development, exploring different payloads. SARBOT will serve not only as a weapons platform but also for multiple other purposes, with advanced capabilities in this latest version.”
SAR 2023: A Centennial Symbol
The limited-edition SAR 2023 pistol, developed for the 100th anniversary of the Republic, also made its debut at IDEF’23. Combining symbolic design elements that honor a century of the Republic’s history, SAR 2023 embodies Sarsılmaz’s vision, experience, and commitment to becoming a global defense brand.
20mm T-129 Atak Helicopter Nose Gun
Developed in partnership with TR Mekatronik and TUSAŞ, the 20mm turreted gun system for T-129 Atak helicopters features a rotary barrel capable of firing 750 rounds per minute. It employs NATO-standard 20x102mm ammunition and integrates with helicopter systems via MIL-STD-1553 protocol, enhancing firing accuracy and operational independence.
25mm Land Artillery System
The 25mm land artillery system, developed under a contract between Sarsılmaz-TUSAŞ and TR Mekatronik, fires 25x137mm NATO-standard ammunition. Featuring a chain-fed mechanism with high-speed and slow-fire modes, it can be mounted on manned or remote-controlled land and naval platforms. The integrated gun control unit monitors ammunition, jam status, misfires, and system faults, providing comprehensive operational control.
Weapon-Integrated Drone: SAR 15T
Developed in collaboration with Asis Guard, the SAR 15T armed drone Songar features fully autonomous and manual flight modes, with a 5 km flight range and 300m altitude. Equipped with a 7.62mm Sarsılmaz weapon system, it offers an effective firing range of 400 meters and a 25-minute flight time.
SAR 556 MT Light Machine Gun
The SAR 556 MT, designed for both infantry and special operations in urban environments, fires 5.56mm NATO-standard rounds. It combines user-friendly design with advanced technical capabilities, representing a significant addition to Turkey’s indigenous defense arsenal.
