Developing Defense Industry and UAV Technologies
Investments made by many countries in the world in the defense industry, especially UAVs (Unmanned Aerial Vehicles) are increasing with their impact on the battlefields. These vehicles play a critical role in modern war tactics and greatly increase the defense capacity of countries. In this context, the NATO-organized Innovation Hackathon 2025 The competition provides an important platform to promote international cooperation and innovation.
DIANA Program and Innovation Competitions
Launched by NATO to increase innovation in the field of defense and security DIANA program, provides participation from many companies and academic institutions. More than 2023 companies have participated in this competition organized as of 80. Established in ODTÜ TEKNOKENT Skytech Robotics Technologies The company, together with Turkish academics participating in this competition, has developed innovative solutions for future battlefields.
STRIKE Module: Innovative Solution
METU Computer Engineering Department Faculty Member Assoc. Prof. Dr. Erol Sahin and from Aksaray University Dr. Faculty Member Veli Bakircioglu, STRIKE It was inspired by the defense strategies of bees by developing the module named. This module provides intelligence information by analyzing the location of the target after attacks on UAVs. This module, which can perform real-time data processing and artificial intelligence-supported analysis, has successfully completed the exercise it participated in.
How the Module Works and Its Advantages
The STRIKE module works by being integrated onto drones. In the event that the drone is hit, this module calculates the direction and intensity of the attack using the acceleration values obtained. Even if the drone falls to the ground, it can detect the location of the attacker and transmit this information to other drones or forces. This enables the deception of opposing forces and the expansion of the areas of use of drones.
Investment and Development Process
Assoc. Prof. Dr. Şahin stated that they aim to evaluate many funding and investment opportunities thanks to the support they received under the DIANA program. This module, for which a patent application has been made in Türkiye, aims to increase the level of technological readiness and turn it into a product. For companies that produce drones, the STRIKE module offers a solution that will increase deterrence.
Security Layer in Autonomous Systems
Dr. Faculty Member Veli Bakırcıoğlu states that the STRIKE module is a security layer developed for autonomous systems. This module functions as a payload that strengthens the system and increases resistance to attacks. The success achieved in the competition has proven the effectiveness of the module and encouraged further development in this area.
Conclusion and Future Vision
This module, developed by academics, has significant potential not only for Turkey but also for other countries. The module's integration into different air and land vehicles offers a wide range of applications. In the future, it is expected that such technologies will become more widespread and lead to revolutionary changes in the defense industry. Turkey is gaining a solid place in the global arena with its innovative solutions in this area.
All these developments, innovation in the defense industry once again reveals its importance. The development of UAV technologies and modules increases the strategic advantages of countries and changes the dynamics on the battlefield.
