Ankara
Turkey has introduced two of its most advanced aircraft bombs — Gazap (Wrath) and Hayalet (Ghost) — signaling a major leap in the country’s aerial strike capabilities. Developed by the National Defence Ministry’s Research and Development (R&D) Centre, the bombs were showcased at the 17th International Defence Industry Fair. The Gazap bomb, weighing 2,000 pounds (970 kilograms), is a high-powered non-nuclear weapon designed to disperse 10,000 controlled fragments within a one-kilometre radius. It features a fragment-based structure with modified internal ribs, making it three times more destructive than standard MK-series bombs. R&D Centre Director Nilufer Kuzulu stated it mimics the effect of a defensive grenade, maximizing damage while minimizing random debris. Gazap is compatible with Turkish F-16 and F-4 fighter jets, and future drone deployment is under consideration.
The Hayalet, also known as NEB-1 and NEB-2, is a next-generation bunker-busting bomb. Designed to penetrate up to 90 meters of hardened ground or seven meters of C50-grade reinforced concrete, it successfully completed tests simulating real-world fortifications. Kuzulu revealed that Hayalet pierced multiple steel cages, a 10-meter sand pool, and a 1.5-ton concrete wall, continuing 600 meters further after impact. The bomb is also compatible with Turkish F-16s and various munition kits. Amid Turkey’s rising defence production, ties with Pakistan have drawn attention. Though both countries deny arms transfers, India has accused Pakistan of deploying Turkish-made Bayraktar TB2 drones during Operation Bunyan al-Marsoos. Ankara also voiced support for Islamabad during tensions with India in May.