ISTANBUL – Turkey is rapidly asserting itself as a key player in the global arms market, with the unveiling of two of its most powerful non-nuclear bombs during the 17th International Defence Industry Fair (IDEF) held in Istanbul this week. The new weapons – the GAZAP and the Hayalet – are being touted as game-changers in conventional warfare.
The unveiling underscores Turkey’s ambition to expand its defence capabilities and bolster its growing arms export sector. Both bombs, developed by state-linked defence companies, are designed to fit NATO-standard aircraft such as the U.S.-made F-16 fighter jet.
GAZAP: Turkey’s Most Destructive Thermobaric Bomb
The first of the two weapons, named GAZAP (meaning Wrath in Turkish), is a thermobaric bomb with a 970-kilogram warhead. Thermobaric bombs, sometimes referred to as “vacuum bombs,” operate by dispersing a fuel-air explosive that ignites in two stages. The first detonation releases a fine mist of flammable material, which is then ignited by a second charge, producing an intense high-temperature blast that sucks oxygen from the surrounding air.
This method significantly amplifies the explosion’s reach, causing widespread damage over a blast radius of up to one kilometre. Experts note that thermobaric weapons are especially lethal in confined environments such as bunkers, caves, and urban settings.
According to Turkish military officials and media aligned with the government, GAZAP is now the most powerful air-launched conventional weapon in Turkey’s arsenal and one of the most formidable in NATO’s inventory outside of nuclear arms.
Hayalet: The Ghost Bunker-Buster
The second weapon showcased at the defence fair is the Hayalet, meaning Ghost, a state-of-the-art bunker-buster bomb designed to penetrate fortified structures. Weighing nearly a tonne, the Hayalet is capable of breaking through up to seven metres of reinforced concrete, making it a vital tool for targeting underground military installations, command centers, or weapon storage facilities.
The Hayalet is also compatible with NATO aircraft and is fitted with precision-guidance systems that allow it to strike deep, well-protected targets with minimal collateral damage.
Both bombs reflect Turkey’s push to equip its military with indigenous, technologically advanced weapons systems while reducing reliance on foreign suppliers.
A Clear Strategic Shift
President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan has repeatedly emphasized the importance of military self-reliance and has called for the country’s defence sector to expand beyond its regional role into global markets.
Speaking earlier in June, Erdoğan declared:
“We will strengthen our deterrence so that no country dares to attack Turkey. The world will see that our defence capabilities are unmatched among non-nuclear states.”
He also referenced plans to ramp up production of medium- and long-range missiles, especially in the wake of rising regional tensions, including the 12-day military confrontation between Iran and Israel in early 2025. During that period, Erdoğan warned that Turkey must remain vigilant and fully prepared for any eventualities.
Turkey’s Rise as a Global Defence Exporter
The weapons showcase comes amid a period of booming Turkish arms exports, which surged to $5.5 billion in 2024, according to Turkey’s Defence and Aerospace Industry Exporters’ Association. Turkish-made drones, armored vehicles, and missile systems have found buyers in countries across Africa, Central Asia, and Eastern Europe.
Turkey’s famed Bayraktar TB2 drones, developed by Baykar Technologies, have been used in numerous conflict zones from Ukraine to the Horn of Africa, earning global attention and helping to propel Turkey into the top 15 arms-exporting countries in the world.
With the GAZAP and Hayalet bombs, analysts believe Turkey is now aiming to compete in a new class of heavy, precision-guided munitions long dominated by U.S., Russian, and Chinese defence manufacturers.
Reactions and Global Implications
International defence analysts have described the Turkish advancements as “significant,” particularly in the context of NATO’s evolving security landscape. The ability to deploy powerful, precise non-nuclear munitions gives Turkey a new level of strategic autonomy.
“These bombs represent a major technological leap for Turkey,” said Dr. Emre Can Dedeoğlu, a security analyst at the Turkish Centre for Strategic Studies. “They allow Ankara to project power with greater accuracy and impact, especially in asymmetric or cross-border operations.”
Turkey’s growing military-industrial complex is also a diplomatic tool, with arms deals often reinforcing political and economic ties with partner nations.
Africa’s Interest in Turkish Defence Products
Several African nations have expressed interest in Turkey’s expanding portfolio of weapons systems. Countries such as Nigeria, Somalia, and Rwanda have already signed deals for Turkish drones and training, and analysts say there may be demand for larger-scale systems like bunker-busters and thermobaric bombs in conflict-prone zones.
Turkey has hosted defence exhibitions aimed at African delegations, and Erdoğan has made multiple high-level visits to Africa, often accompanied by defence contractors and trade envoys.
Conclusion
With the unveiling of the GAZAP and Hayalet bombs, Turkey is sending a clear message: it intends to be a major force not only within NATO but also in the global defence industry. The country’s investments in home-grown weapons development, coupled with an aggressive export strategy, have transformed its military landscape.
As global tensions continue to rise and non-nuclear powers seek advanced capabilities, Turkey’s new arsenal may find eager buyers far beyond its borders.
Credit: Africa Live News | Compiled by Ibrahim Yakubu
