ASTECH Introduced Its Indigenous GÖKKURT Smart Munition Family for the First Time at the SAHA EXPO

Developed by a team of 25 in a short span of about one year and expected to stand out in the field with its superior features compared to its rivals, the GAM Family can be equipped with various seekers, including Laser Seeker (LAB), Long-Wave Infrared (LWIR), “low light” Short-Wave Infrared (SWIR), and Daylight Camera (TV). Currently undergoing testing, the GAM Family can be used against both stationary and moving land and surface targets and consists of short-range GAM-A, medium-range GAM-B, long-range GAM-D, and the GAM-X (Extra) model, which has a larger caliber, and a heavier warhead designed for armored targets. While actual GAM-A, GAM-B, and GAM-D tactical munitions—without energetic materials and safety-related electronic boards—were displayed at the company booth, the GAM-X model, still under development, is planned to be exhibited as a verified product at IDEF ‘25. We conducted a comprehensive interview with ASTECH General Manager & CEO Mehmet OCAKLI about the modular GAM Family.

Defence Turkey: Can we start our interview with information about ASTECH?

Mehmet OCAKLI: First of all, ASTECH is a startup company founded by expert engineers with over twenty years of experience in the defence industry. It was established by bringing together specialist engineers who played a critical role in successfully completing numerous munition and missile projects developed in Türkiye and who, after completing these projects, had dispersed into different sectors. With the support and sponsorship of Emin ÖNER, Chairman of ASSAN Group, the rising star of the defence industry, ASTECH has started developing innovative weapon systems. The company is moving forward confidently toward becoming a technology firm specializing in designing, producing, testing, and integrating missile and munition systems. The company’s strong engineering team offers technological solutions across a wide range—from system-level designs such as munition systems, aerial platforms, and missiles to the design of subsystems, including sensors, seekers, power systems, and rocket motors.

Defence Turkey: Was the company established under the umbrella of ASSAN Group, or did it join ASSAN Group after its formation? Could you provide information about its partnership structure?

Mehmet OCAKLI:ASTECH is a multi-partner startup company. It was established with the sponsorship and partnership of Mr. Emin ÖNER, Chairman of ASSAN Group Defence Industry. We can consider it a sister company to ASSAN Group. It has a 7-partner structure, with the majority of shares owned by Mr. ÖNER. This team—comprised of the principal designers, project managers, and system engineers of many weapon systems you are very familiar with in the defence industry, who played critical roles in their successful completion—has now come together under the ASTECH umbrella to pursue a common goal. With the addition of expert engineers in their respective fields, the team has grown to about 20-25 people. We are still a very new company, only about one year old. In our first year, we conducted numerous feasibility studies. Now, at the end of this year, we have come to the Fair with the GÖKKURT/SKYWOLF GAM Family—a family of munitions that we believe will increase the combat capabilities of the Armed UAVs, an area in which Türkiye is a world leader.

Defence Turkey: Could you tell us about the GÖKKURT/SKYWOLF GAM Family?

Mehmet OCAKLI: In Turkish, “GAM” is the acronym for GÖKKURT Akıllı Mühimmat (GÖKKURT Smart Munition). GÖKKURT is a special name for us. It draws its profound meaning both from the GökKurt figures in Turkish mythology and from the hierarchy represented by Alpha Wolf, Beta Wolf, and Delta Wolf, which reflect the characteristic features of our products. GAM-A, which we refer to as the Alpha Wolf, is the leader of the pack; GAM-B is the Beta Wolf, the Alpha Wolf’s assistant. In fact, this corresponds exactly to the hierarchy in wolf packs. GAM-D, the Delta Wolf, is our propelled loitering munition that scouts and monitors the area.

These munitions, which can be launched from Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs), include the Alpha and Beta models that are free-fall glide types. The Alpha model is effective up to 20 kilometers. These munitions, weighing around 23kg, can be launched from BAYRAKTAR TB-2 and ANKA, as well as other UAVs in the same or higher category that can carry heavier payloads. They can be deployed from 50-lb class single-munition racks. GAM-A weighs 23kg, GAM-B weighs 25kg, and GAM-D weighs 27kg.

As I mentioned, GAM-A can be launched up to 20 kilometers and provides a broader engagement envelope, which allows off-boresight targeting (striking targets at an extreme angle away from the aircraft's line of sight). In other words, its firing envelope has been expanded compared to similar free-fall glide munitions on the market. With other comparable munitions worldwide, the launching platform—your aircraft—must be pointed toward the target in order to engage it. These required maneuvers create operational constraints and waste time. Recognizing this need, we expanded GAM-A's engagement envelope, believing this would offer the user significant flexibility. As a result, we developed a product that can maneuver more effectively and reach greater distances.

GAM-B and GAM-D are indigenous products with no direct counterparts in their class. GAM-B, with its folding-wing system, has high maneuverability and can engage targets in every direction. Thanks to this, you can engage a target you see off to the side while flying, even one you've passed over or directly behind you. Its forward range reaches 40 kilometers. It's a munition you can drop anywhere you see via your UAV's E/O camera, even beyond the line of sight. For those who want to reach even further ranges, we developed the GAM-D loitering munition with an electric motor. Like GAM-B, it can be launched against targets in a full 360° sphere, but its range extends to 80km. In fact, we believe we can achieve even greater than 80km, but it would be more appropriate to share validated range values after we complete firing tests.

Defence Turkey: I assume the range values you mentioned are calculated based on a certain altitude?

Mehmet OCAKLI: All the values we’ve provided are calculated for launches conducted at altitudes of around 18,000ft – 20,000ft and at approximately Mach 0.2. These represent the standard firing profiles, especially for BAYRAKTAR TB-2 and ANKA Armed UAVs. Of course, as altitude and speed increase, these values rise exponentially. Currently, there are no equivalents to GAM-B and GAM-D in the world. In this class, with their given weight, warhead mass, and ranges, these systems have no alternatives. In the GAM-A class, there are many products worldwide. If you ask what sets GAM-A apart, the fundamental purpose of developing a missile/munition system is to deliver a certain warhead to a certain distance (range). Thus, while GAM-A stands out with its range and maneuvering characteristics and its expanded launch envelope, its real difference comes from the warhead it carries. With the laser seeker-equipped GAM-A, you can use a 17.5kg warhead. This warhead offers both fragmentation and blast effects. Additionally, if you desire armor penetration, a shaped charge warhead weighing 16kg can be fitted instead. Since both types of warheads share the same main body design, they contain the same number of fragments. However, with the shaped charge warhead, you gain armor-piercing capability as well.

Defence Turkey: Can you provide information regarding its armor-piercing capability?

Mehmet OCAKLI: That information is classified, but we can say that it is effective against many armored vehicles, such as Armored Personnel Carriers (APCs) and Main Battle Tanks.

Defence Turkey: When we consider that 16kg is a significant amount of weight, for example, even small FPV-type kamikaze drones carrying only about 3kg of explosives have caused severe damage to Main Battle Tanks during the Russia–Ukraine War.

Mehmet OCAKLI: Yes, another important feature here is that it has a multi-purpose warhead. With the shaped charge warhead, it offers penetration capability while at the same time, thanks to its large number of fragments and blast effect, it can achieve lethal results over a wide area. If you detonate the munition in the air a few meters above the ground based on values measured by the proximity sensor—without impacting the ground first—you can achieve the desired damage over a much broader area.

Defence Turkey: Does the GAM Family have such a feature?

Mehmet OCAKLI: Of course. We can use Laser and RF proximity fuses in our systems. These systems are located in the nose section of the munition, just under the seeker. For example, the GAM-A on display at the fair currently has an RF proximity fuse. During the terminal phase, the proximity fuse continuously calculates the distance to the target. Once at a suitable altitude, it transmits a detonation command to the fuse, ensuring that the fragments within the warhead are dispersed most effectively across the target area.

Defence Turkey: Is the laser seeker also your own product?

Mehmet OCAKLI: The most challenging requirement for this munition family is the Warhead/Total Mass ratio. From the outset, we specified that 70% of the munition’s mass must be the warhead. Achieving this ratio in all variants required reducing the size and weight of all other subsystems. For this reason, we pushed the limits of technology to minimize the dimensions of all subsystem designs. We started the system design with the laser seeker. Let me show you our miniature laser seeker. Next to it, you can see the nose section of the GÖKKURT/SKYWOLF with the laser seeker head integrated. We also have IR, TV, and “low light” SWIR (Short Wave Infrared) seeker options. Thanks to their modular design, you can change the seeker section to adjust the system’s capabilities as needed. Inside the Laser Seeker Head is this small system we call the “miniature laser seeker head.” In other words, we’ve miniaturized the laser seeker head. In fact, we did this for all subsystems. By standardizing and downsizing our avionics to fewer circuit boards, shrinking the power system, and miniaturizing all other components, we were able to enlarge the warhead, and this entire process was accomplished by our team in just one year.

Defence Turkey: You achieved this with a team of only 25 people?

Mehmet OCAKLI: Yes. Twenty-five people who are young, dynamic, and experienced—a special team that embodies these three critical qualities.

Defence Turkey: LWIR doesn’t require laser designation. Therefore, for it to autonomously fly toward the target, there must be a processor or “brain” in the rear. Does GAM-D have autonomous flight capability?

Mehmet OCAKLI: Yes. This is especially effective at longer ranges. At 40km and 80km, you can use this system as an autonomous loitering munition. In addition to the seeker, we integrate the data link unit, which you can see at the rear. This is a two-way communication link. When used from Armed UAVs, you need to integrate the same munition data link system that is used on the UAV platform. Currently, we are developing our system to be compatible with two different munition data link manufacturers. The rear section of the munition is allocated for data link systems and antennas. Using blade or conformal antennas, we can transmit data to the UAV via the data link and to the ground control station through the UAV’s telemetry.

The munition does not need continuous communication. It sends the imagery, and the operator selects the target from that imagery. After that, the system operates automatically. In other words, you are not actively piloting the munition; you are merely choosing the target. Once the target is selected, the munition finds and tracks it on its own. It can operate autonomously. Since it is often used against time-sensitive “opportunity targets,” having a human-in-the-loop for target selection is valuable. Thanks to GPU-based image processing cards at the rear, we provide jam-resistant target tracking and autonomous target detection capabilities. These data links also enable swarm operations, allowing multiple munitions to communicate with each other and launch coordinated attacks. Moreover, the GPU-based architecture of the seeker and the communication capability between munitions support collaborative target selection and target sharing.

Defence Turkey: So, this data link communicates directly with the aircraft, and the imagery is transmitted to the ground control station through the aircraft, correct?

Mehmet OCAKLI: Yes. This is the most suitable solution to ensure line-of-sight coverage. You integrate a data link system compatible with the one on the aircraft into the munition, transmit the data to the platform, and then download it to the Ground Control Station (GCS) via the platform’s telemetry. Thus, the operator at the GCS can control it. If the platform has a SATCOM (Satellite Communication) terminal, you can select targets from very long distances.

Defence Turkey: Encrypted communication is used, right?

Mehmet OCAKLI: Of course. All communication systems feature AES-256 encryption.

Defence Turkey: Are the rear fins of each munition mobile or fixed?

Mehmet OCAKLI:  When I say, “each munition,” I mean that the main body is composed of the same units in all three variants. Think of the Alpha configuration as the base configuration. By removing the fixed wing structure attached to the Alpha’s main body and adding a foldable wing kit, you get the GAM-B configuration. The main body consists of common components. Thanks to its modular design, you can customize these body parts according to your needs. You choose your seeker and select your warhead. The avionics and power sections are common, as is the control section. You decide whether or not to use a two-way data link and then configure your munition accordingly. If you attach a wing kit, it becomes the Beta configuration. If you attach a rear propeller electric motor in addition to the extended wing kit, you have the Delta configuration, capable of reaching ranges of over 80 kilometers.

Defence Turkey: Do you also produce the wing kits?

Mehmet OCAKLI: Yes. We carry out the production of all these munitions and their subsystems together with our solution partners.

Defence Turkey: Munitions equipped with a wing guidance kit are typically released upside down from the carrier aircraft. After a short drop, they rotate and deploy their wings. Do these munitions work in the same way?

Mehmet OCAKLI: Yes. On the lower part of the munition, you can see the suspension lug and the communication connector that provide the interface with the platform. The foldable-wing GAM-B and GAM-D munitions are carried upside down on UAVs, and immediately after separating from the platform, they roll upright and deploy their wings.

Defence Turkey: Is there just a single connection point?

Mehmet OCAKLI: Yes. Since the Alpha, Beta, and Delta configurations are in the 25kg class, a single connection point is enough. We aim to offer a family of munitions that can be carried on UAV/Armed UAVs with a single suspension lug.

Defence Turkey: In the IR Seeker version, is there any need for communication with the aircraft before launch while it is still attached to the wing pylon? Is there any cabling to transfer data from the aircraft to the munition? Or does it simply detach from the suspension lug and head for the target, handling everything via the munition datalink in flight?

Mehmet OCAKLI: To operate more precisely, the system initializes its own navigation system with the aircraft’s navigation system prior to launch. Before being released, the munition receives target location data as well. So, there is communication while it is being carried. For example, you detect the target with the E/O camera systems on the Armed UAV, calculate its position, and transmit that to the munition. After it is released, the munition begins traveling toward the designated target. Once it initiates its terminal phase, the seeker searches for the target in the designated area and executes a more precise strike. Essentially, it flies to the target area using the data from the aircraft. In the terminal phase, if it is laser-guided, it homes on the laser reflection; if it is TV or IR-guided, it moves toward the target, which was identified by the operator or autonomously detected by the munition itself.

Defence Turkey: You developed these in such a short period as a company that was established only a year ago. So, when will the GAM Family become ready for use?

Mehmet OCAKLI: Actually, we have prepared 4 products in one year. You can see three of them here. Because all the products you see right now are tactical products.

Defence Turkey: Is the other one also turbojet-powered?

Mehmet OCAKLI: No, it has a slightly higher caliber. These 3 products you see here are real tactical munitions. All their mechanics are that way. Of course, we don’t have any energetic material inside them. And for safety reasons, we didn’t include the electronic boards. But other than that, as you can see from the seeker, you are looking at truly manufactured munitions with all their components at our booth right now. We have completed our ground tests. Our tests involving energetic materials are ongoing.

Defence Turkey: Where is ASTECH’s production facility located?

Mehmet OCAKLI: As ASTECH, we have two sites: our R&D center and our ODTÜ Teknokent branch. Both are located in Ankara, the heart of the defence industry.

Defence Turkey: Are you carrying out the production there as well?

Mehmet OCAKLI: Both production and design take place at the same facilities. Of course, we also utilize the production capabilities of ASSAN Group. Especially, the filling of energetic material will be done in Gerede. But all design activities and all production activities—apart from energetic materials—are carried out at our facilities in Ankara. We have a modern design and innovation office. When transitioning from design to production for these types of systems, improvement activities must continue uninterrupted. Therefore, on the lowest floor of our design office, we are creating a flexible and agile production line that aligns with our goals. As the product finds its place in the market and demand increases, we have also started establishing a larger production line in parallel.

Defence Turkey: I assume you procured the electric motor of the Delta version from outside?

Mehmet OCAKLI: Yes, we are currently using an electric motor that is not subject to any export restrictions. However, for the serial production phase, we are continuing negotiations to use products from our local manufacturer. The motor currently has a much longer operating time than its intended usage. This is a safety measure. These systems are produced to stay in the air for one hour, but they are designed to operate for a much longer period.

Defence Turkey: Does the GAM Family incorporate a thermal battery?

Mehmet OCAKLI: The GAM Family uses various battery technologies that can be employed in similar munition systems. One of the innovations here is in the power system design. A thermal battery can be used in these munitions. However, there is also a power system that can be customized according to different needs. An additional battery pack is used for the electric motor.

Defence Turkey: What can you tell us about the new ‘GAM-X’ variant of the GAM Family?

Mehmet OCAKLI: The first three variants of the family (A, B, and D) have a 130mm diameter and, as I mentioned earlier, consist of common components. They can be expanded on the same body by installing wing kits and the propulsion system. Each of them is one meter in length. However, the propelled version extends to 1.20m because its propulsion system adds an extra 20cm. In addition, there is a 160mm diameter variant with an “Extra” warhead (weighing a total of 45kg), the GAM-X variant, which has greater penetration capability, especially for penetration purposes, meaning against heavily armored vehicles, we mentioned before because tanks nowadays also have protection systems. The ‘X’ variant is a system we recommend for those wanting a larger destructive effect. Here, the total weight of the munition reaches around 60kg. That’s why we switched from a single-suspension lug system to a dual-suspension lug system. In other words, it goes from the 50-pound class to the 140-pound class. We have produced the Alpha version of this product, the fixed-wing version. In the first stage, we focused on the version with a 20km range and a Laser Seeker. In this product, we are still maintaining a 70% warhead mass ratio.

Defence Turkey: Do you consider a seeker with a daytime camera?

Mehmet OCAKLI: Yes, actually, the daytime camera is what we call a TV camera. A daytime camera has some advantages and disadvantages. As a disadvantage: yes, it cannot operate at night and is affected by adverse weather, but in daylight conditions, it provides higher resolution, it is cost-effective, and because it is smaller, it can offer the user a larger field of view. So, it also has its own advantages. Therefore, we wanted to offer that option as well. In addition, we have our ‘SWIR (Short-Wave Infrared) Low Light’ seeker, which can be used both day and night and can provide TV-like imagery. This can be more effective, and it also has a “see-spot” feature, meaning it can detect areas marked by a laser. We believe this is a system that can be used more effectively. We wanted to offer every option to the user because the modular design allows the user to make these choices and customize the product according to their own needs.

Defence Turkey: So, when will all these products be ready?

Mehmet OCAKLI: We are currently in the firing test phase for GAM-A among these systems. We plan to complete the integration and firing tests by the beginning of 2025.

Defence Turkey: From a UAV?

Mehmet OCAKLI: Yes, from UAVs. Right now, we want to work with all UAV manufacturers, and we already have an experienced team that can carry out all the integration efforts together. By the end of this year, we also want to demonstrate the ranges and maneuvering capabilities with the firing tests.

Defence Turkey: Once the GAM Family proves itself in tests, you could achieve a significant export potential. In this context, are you also conducting promotional and marketing activities for potential customers?

Mehmet OCAKLI: We are showcasing these products for the first time here at the SAHA EXPO 2024 Fair. Our next goal is to promote them abroad. As a company, our motto is to unveil new product families at every fair—meaning for Türkiye, at each SAHA EXPO and IDEF—every year. This is how we want to show our dynamic team. Of course, our primary goal is to make these products available for use by the Turkish Armed Forces. We believe they will truly make a difference.

Defence Turkey: Will you exhibit the ‘GAM-X’ model for the first time at IDEF ‘25?

Mehmet OCAKLI: Hopefully, we will exhibit all our products at IDEF after verifying them with firing tests.

Defence Turkey: Mr. Mehmet, thank you for your time. On behalf of our readers, we wish you success in your endeavors