Turkey’s Military Advancements: The Gazap and Hayalet Bombs
Turkey has showcased significant improvements in its military strike capabilities with the development of two advanced aircraft bombs — the Gazap (Wrath) and Hayalet (Ghost).
The Power of the Gazap Bomb
The Gazap, weighing 970 kilograms, is one of Turkey’s most powerful non-nuclear aircraft bombs. It is designed to disperse fragment explosions with enhanced efficiency, making it a formidable weapon in the country’s arsenal.
According to Nilufer Kuzulu, the Director of Turkey’s National Defence Ministry’s Research and Development Centre, the Gazap bomb has passed rigorous qualification and certification processes.
Kuzulu mentioned that the Gazap bomb, unlike traditional aircraft bombs, features a fragment-based structure with 10,000 particles. Upon detonation, these particles disperse within a one-kilometre radius, making it three times more powerful than standard MK-series bombs.
The Gazap bomb’s modified filler and internal ribbed structure significantly enhance its blast impact, mimicking the effect of a defensive grenade.
This powerful bomb can be deployed from Turkey’s F-16 and F-4 fighter jets and has the potential for future drone deployment.
The Penetrating Power of Hayalet
Hayalet, also known as NEB-1 and NEB-2, is a next-generation penetration bomb designed to pierce hardened structures like concrete and steel walls. It can penetrate up to 90 meters on hardened surfaces, showcasing its advanced bunker-busting capability.
Kuzulu stated that standard bombs typically penetrate shallow depths into reinforced concrete, but Hayalet can penetrate 7 meters of C50 concrete, commonly used in critical infrastructure like bridges, viaducts, and nuclear facilities.
In recent tests, Hayalet demonstrated its prowess by penetrating 90 meters through rock and earth on an island, displaying its effectiveness in real-world scenarios.
The bomb was rigorously tested on reinforced concrete blocks and ribbed steel, surpassing multiple challenges before breaking through concrete walls and steel fortifications.
Hayalet is compatible with Turkish F-16 aircraft and existing munition kits, further enhancing Turkey’s military capabilities.
Turkey’s Defence Partnerships and International Relations
As Turkey strengthens its military capabilities, its defence ties with Pakistan have drawn attention. While both Ankara and Islamabad deny reports of arms transfer, Turkey’s growing defence industry has established it as a reliable partner for Pakistan, providing drones and naval assets.
The Indian Army has raised concerns about Pakistan’s use of Turkish-made Bayraktar TB2 drones during conflicts, highlighting the complex dynamics in the region.
With advanced weaponry and strategic alliances, Turkey continues to play a crucial role in shaping regional security and defence dynamics.
Stay tuned for more updates.
