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Turkey unveiled advanced bombs Gazap and Hayalet at the Defence Industry Fair, enhancing its military capabilities with a powerful non-nuclear bomb and a bunker-buster.
Unlike traditional munitions, Gazap features a fragment-based structure with 10,000 particles. (Image: X/@DefenseMirror)
Turkey has unveiled two of its most advanced aircraft bombs named Gazap and Hayalet, marking a significant step in its military strike capabilities. Developed by the its National Defence Ministry’s Research and Development (R\&D) Centre, the weapons were showcased at the 17th International Defence Industry Fair, according to a report in NDTV.
Weighing 970 kilograms, Gazap is the NATO nation’s most powerful conventional, non-nuclear aircraft bomb, the report mentioned. Unlike traditional munitions, it features a fragment-based structure with 10,000 particles, designed to disperse within a one-kilometre radius.
Gazap: Turkey’s Most Powerful Non-Nuclear Aircraft Bomb
According to R&D Centre Director Nilufer Kuzulu, Gazap produces 10.16 fragments per square meter which makes it three times more powerful than standard MK-series bombs.
The bomb also has a modified filler and ribbed internal structure, enhancing blast impact and enabling controlled fragmentation, similar to a defensive grenade. Gazap can be deployed from Turkish F-16 and F-4 fighter jets, with potential integration into drone platforms in the future.
Hayalet: Bunker-Busting Bomb
Hayalet, also known as NEB-1 and NEB-2, is a next-generation bunker-busting bomb designed to penetrate fortified structures. Kuzulu stated that Hayalet can pierce 7 meters of C50-grade reinforced concrete, commonly used in bridges and nuclear facilities—far exceeding the 1.8 to 2.4 meters typical of standard bombs.
In recent trials, Hayalet was dropped on an island and penetrated 90 meters through rock and earth. The blast impact was detected across the 160-meter-wide island, including its far side. Additional tests showed the bomb passing through multiple layers of steel cages and sand, breaking a 1.5-ton concrete wall before continuing another 600 meters.
Both bombs have passed qualification and certification and are compatible with existing Turkish aircraft and munition systems.
Strategic Implications
Turkey’s military advancements carry regional implications, especially amid growing defence cooperation with Pakistan. Though both countries deny arms transfers, Indian officials claim Pakistan deployed Turkish-made Bayraktar TB2 drones during Operation Bunyan al-Marsoos which was launched in response to attacks by India earlier in the year.
Turkey had also expressed diplomatic support for Pakistan during its military tensions with India in May. With expanding defence cooperation—including drones and naval systems—Ankara is seen as an increasingly reliable military partner for Islamabad, raising concerns in New Delhi.
Manisha Roy is a Senior Sub-Editor at News18.com’s general desk. She comes with an experience of over 5 years in media industry. She covers politics and other hard news. She can be contacted at Manisha.Roy@nw18…Read More
Manisha Roy is a Senior Sub-Editor at News18.com’s general desk. She comes with an experience of over 5 years in media industry. She covers politics and other hard news. She can be contacted at Manisha.Roy@nw18… Read More
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