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Bayraktar Teknoloji Unveils Azerbaijan-Built KASIRGA VTOL Strike and Reconnaissance Drone.
Bayraktar Teknoloji has unveiled the Azerbaijan-built KASIRGA, a compact VTOL drone designed for both precision strike and reconnaissance missions, during ADEX 2026 in Baku on September 30. Its combination of runway-independent operations, autonomous flight and dual-role payload options gives forces a flexible way to conduct surveillance or attack targets from dispersed positions.
KASIRGA can fly reconnaissance missions out to 90 km or conduct one-way strikes at 60 km, using AI-assisted electro-optical guidance, anti-jamming features and autonomous terminal attack functions. Relay connectivity through Bayraktar TB2, TB3 or AKINCI drones could further extend its operational reach, reflecting the growing battlefield emphasis on networked unmanned systems that combine mobility, survivability and precision firepower.
Azerbaijan’s KASIRGA VTOL drone combines reconnaissance, autonomous flight and precision strike capabilities in a compact design (Picture Source: Army Recognition Group)
On September 30, 2026, Bayraktar Teknoloji, the Azerbaijani subsidiary of Türkiye’s Baykar, unveiled the KASIRGA vertical take-off and landing unmanned aerial vehicle at ADEX 2026 in Baku. Designed for both surface-to-surface strike and reconnaissance missions, the new platform combines autonomous VTOL operation, fixed-wing cruise performance and AI-assisted electro-optical guidance in a compact configuration. Its debut highlights the continued expansion of Azerbaijan’s unmanned systems capabilities. Army Recognition was present at ADEX 2026 to provide on-site coverage of the latest defense technologies and systems displayed at the Baku Expo Center.
KASIRGA has a maximum take-off weight of 33 kg and is powered by four electric motors. The UAV measures 1.7 meters in height and has a 1.7-meter wingspan, while offering a payload capacity of up to 6 kg. Its mission package includes a 4.5 kg warhead and an AI-assisted electro-optical camera, enabling the aircraft to perform both kamikaze strike and reusable reconnaissance missions. Its autonomous vertical take-off and landing capability allows operations without a runway, including from difficult terrain and heavy-duty vehicles.
In kamikaze configuration, KASIRGA has an operational range of 60 km and an endurance of 30 minutes. In reconnaissance configuration, the range increases to 90 km with an endurance of up to 50 minutes. The UAV has a service ceiling of 10,000 ft and an operational altitude of 4,000 ft. Cruise speed is 64 KIAS, while maximum speed reaches 120 KIAS, or approximately 222 km/h. Communications are based on a line-of-sight digital data and video link with a stated range exceeding 70 km.
The aircraft incorporates an anti-jamming system, visual localization, high-performance image stabilization and sensor-fusion-assisted autonomous flight functions. Take-off, cruise, landing and terminal dive can be performed autonomously. For terminal guidance, KASIRGA can rely on either its electro-optical camera or GNSS. The UAV can also communicate through Bayraktar TB2, Bayraktar TB3 or AKINCI unmanned aircraft acting as airborne relays, providing additional flexibility for missions conducted beyond the limits of a direct ground control link.
A key feature of KASIRGA is its ability to switch between one-way attack and recoverable reconnaissance roles. During reconnaissance missions, the UAV can use its electro-optical payload to conduct surveillance before returning to its operating point, while the same platform can be configured to carry out surface-to-surface strikes using its warhead and terminal guidance systems. The combination of hovering capability, fixed-wing cruise efficiency, autonomous navigation and return-to-home functionality gives operators greater flexibility in areas where conventional launch and recovery infrastructure is unavailable.
KASIRGA’s first public presentation at ADEX 2026 introduces a new Azerbaijan-developed unmanned platform combining precision strike, reconnaissance and runway-independent VTOL operations. With a reconnaissance range of up to 90 km, a 60 km kamikaze mission radius, autonomous flight functions and relay connectivity through Baykar’s larger UAV platforms, the system reflects a growing focus on compact unmanned aircraft capable of performing multiple battlefield roles from dispersed operating locations.
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