ASELSAN tests electronic warfare pods on Bayraktar TB2

Turkish defense electronics company ASELSAN has conducted a flight demonstration of its electronic warfare pods on Bayraktar TB2 drones. The test, held in Konya, Turkey, on September 18, 2026, was witnessed by defense delegations from 18 countries.

Three systems were involved in the trial. According to ASELSAN, one TB2 drone carried both the ANTIDOT 2ES 100 electronic support pod and the ANTIDOT 2EA 200 electronic attack pod. A second TB2 carried the FULMAR 200 synthetic aperture radar pod. The two unmanned aircraft worked together on the same operational scenario.

From detection to jamming

In the first part of the demonstration, the ANTIDOT 2ES 100 support pod detected a target radar while in flight and pinpointed its location. The ANTIDOT 2EA 200 attack pod then used that targeting data to conduct an electronic attack on the radar. ASELSAN stated this allowed the TB2 carrying the pods to approach the target without being detected.

A second sequence followed. The electronic support pod located a different emitter and relayed its position to the FULMAR 200 radar pod. The FULMAR 200 subsequently generated a high-resolution synthetic aperture radar image of the target area.

The company said this activity represented two firsts. It was the initial test of the ANTIDOT system against real radar systems while mounted on a TB2. It was also the first demonstration of the ANTIDOT and FULMAR pod families operating in concert. ASELSAN did not identify the specific radar systems used as targets in the trial.

A SEAD mission for drones

This pod configuration is designed for the suppression of enemy air defenses, known as the SEAD mission. This role has traditionally required dedicated, crewed aircraft. ASELSAN had previously shown the same pair of ANTIDOT pods mounted on the larger Bayraktar TB3 drone in June 2026, calling that a world-first configuration. Both the ANTIDOT and FULMAR systems were displayed at the Farnborough Airshow in July 2026.

Moving the capability onto the smaller, more widespread TB2 platform could offer a lower-cost path to SEAD operations. ASELSAN has not disclosed the cost of the pods or their integration work. The Bayraktar TB2 is the most exported drone in manufacturer Baykar's portfolio, with the company reporting sales agreements covering the type in 36 countries. In principle, existing TB2 operators could add this pod-based electronic warfare capability without needing to purchase a new drone airframe.