ROKETSAN’s CİRİT laser-guided missile, fired from the PUSU weapon system mounted on a pickup, hit the target UAV that simulated a generic kamikaze UAV threat.
ROKETSAN shared the test video of the reworked PUSU weapon system not too long after IDEF25. The video features the demonstration of the long-serving CİRİT 70 mm laser-guided missile against UAVs as an alternative anti-air option.
In the test, a kamikaze UAV that resembles the Shaheed-136/Geran-2 in form was used. After onboard AESA radars detected the target, it was hit by the CİRİT missile with designation done by the onboard gimbal EO/IR.
Considering the demonstration, the CİRİT in the test might have used a laser proximity fuse for better chances at interception. Outside of the guidance method not being purpose-built for air defence applications, the warhead of CİRİT could be considered lethal enough for fragile threats like UAVs.
The new configuration of PUSU was unveiled during the first day parade of the IDEF25 defence exhibition alongside the new configuration of the BURÇ air defence system.
New Possibilities for CİRİT Platforms
The successful test of CİRİT against a UAV from the PUSU system might pave the way for further tests from other platforms capable of firing the missile. These include KAPLAN STA, various USVs (Provided they use the KMC system), and T129 ATAK attack helicopters.
Platforms using the KMC weapon system can carry up to eight CİRİT missiles, which renders them with an even deeper magazine capacity than PUSU. KMC is intended for fire support and anti-tank roles, and getting a side capability for C-UAS would make it a more comprehensive support asset for infantry or mechanised units.
Laser-Guided Missiles for C-UAS
The use of laser-guided missiles of CİRİT’s class against airborne targets was a subject that actually came up years ago. In 2019, the USAF tested APKWS laser-guided rockets against a cruise missile representative target from a fighter carrying the SNIPER targeting pod.
With the cost of kamikaze UAVs versus effectors coming into focus in the past few years, especially following the Russo-Ukrainian War or the Houthi insurgents’ attacks at the Red Sea, effectors of not necessarily high performance but acceptable operating cost have drawn considerable attention.
In the light of these events, the subject of active use came into the spotlight when Ukraine started utilising L3Harris’ VAMPIRE C-UAS system mounted on a pickup (Also using APKWS) against Russian UAVs, and the USAF used APKWS II from F-16 fighters to shoot down Houthi UAVs.
Compared to MANPADS using rather sophisticated seekers or SPAAGs of considerable size and weight, using laser-guided missiles on abundant platforms offers a new alternative that is potentially more mobile and sustainable.
Author: Kaan Azman
Editor:Özgür Ekşi
