Illustrative image. (Baykar)
Social media accounts close to the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) in Sudan on June 8 shared a video and photos showing what was identified as the wreckage of a Bayraktar Kemankeş 1 mini cruise missile, developed and produced by Turkey’s drone giant Baykar.
The wreckage of the munition was reportedly found in Kas, a district of South Darfur state that is largely controlled by the RSF.
The paramilitary group, backed by the United Arab Emirates, had been engaged in a power struggle with the Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF), which is allied to Saudi Arabia, Egypt and Turkey, for more than three years now.
The Kemankeş 1, first unveiled more than two years ago, was especially designed to strike high-value targets, including moving ones, far behind enemy lines.
The munition is compatible with Bayraktar TB2, TB3 and Akıncı combat drones. When launched from air, the turbojet-powered munition has a maximum effective range of 100-200 kilometers, an endurance of an hour and a cruising speed of 0,3 Mach. It can carry a warhead weighing up to six kilograms.
In addition to a satellite-aided inertial navigation system, Kemankeş 1 is equipped with an artificial intelligence-powered electro-optical targeting system that is made up of a camera with 2-axis stabilization and 36x zoom as well as a laser rangefinder with a range of 2,8 kilometers.
Click to see full-size image. (X)
Click to see full-size image. (X)
Click to see full-size image. (X)
While the RSF has been reportedly receiving air support from Akıncı drones provided by the UAE and based in Ethiopia, the Kemankeş 1 is likely being used by the SAF.
The SAF operates TB2 and Akıncı drones. In addition, it is reported that Turkey is directly operating drones in its support from Egypt.
In recent weeks it became known that the SAF has been receiving more modern weapons from Turkey, including Hisar-A short-range air defense systems and EREN high-speed loitering munitions.
The conflict in Sudan escalated over the past year, and Turkey is now playing a bigger role than before, even on both sides to some extent. As a part of this role, Ankara appears to be using the conflict as a chance to test some of its modern weapons, like the Kemankeş 1.
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