The Taygan drone system, unveiled for the first time at SAHA EXPO, is setting itself apart from the competition with its smart launch feature

Developed by Han Robotics, a company based at YTÜ Yıldız Technopark, the Taygan autonomous interceptor drone system made its debut at SAHA EXPO 2026. The system, which stands out for its design that requires no remote control or ground station and features a world-first smart launch capability, can reach a maximum speed of 250 kilometers per hour and perform missions within a 10-kilometer operational range.

Held at the Istanbul Fair Center from May 5–9, 2026, the SAHA EXPO International Defense, Aviation, and Space Industry Fair served as a showcase for domestic technologies on the international stage. On the fair’s final day open to the public, next-generation defense industry products drew intense interest from visitors.

The TAYGAN Anti-Drone Weapon, developed by the technology firm Han Robotics, located at the YTÜ Yıldız Technopark İkitelli Campus, was one of the most eye-catching projects at the event. Developed to counter low-altitude threats, particularly systems like Tolun and Shahed, the TAYGAN can reach a maximum speed of 250 kilometers per hour and perform missions within a 10-kilometer operational range. With a preparation time of less than one minute and capable of carrying a 200-gram payload, the system flawlessly performs automatic target detection and lock-on operations using its VIGU hardware and artificial intelligence.

"We are the first company in the world to do this"

Aslıhan Akbulut, a representative from Han Robotics, stated that the system they named Vigo forms the foundation of their hardware and software development efforts. Noting that they produce their own autopilots and guidance kits, Akbulut remarked, “We could also call this a sort of ‘mini AI computer.’”

Highlighting the Taygan system’s semi-autonomous operational capabilities, Akbulut emphasized the flexibility they provide in the field against targets outside the lock-on range with the following words:

"The operator performs the launch by looking at the image on the screen and can maneuver the drone in the air using the joystick mechanism on the launcher. While launchers in other interceptor drone systems typically serve only a mechanical launch function under normal conditions, we have integrated a trigger mechanism and a joystick into our system. We are the first company in the world to do this."

Full autonomy in an electronic warfare environment

The most distinctive technical feature that sets Taygan apart from its counterparts in the field is its autonomous structure, which does not require a control unit or ground station. In combat environments where electronic warfare and frequency jamming are prevalent, this feature ensures the system can perform its mission without interruption. The drone, which can be carried by a single operator and controlled directly via the launcher unit, can assess threat priorities and change targets while in flight thanks to its artificial intelligence.

Safe return and tail-first landing

Operational safety and device protection are among the top priorities in the system’s design. The ergonomic “Return to Home” button on the launcher allows for a rapid response to tactical changes on the field or unexpected scenarios. If the decision is made to abandon the target during the operation or if lock-on cannot be achieved, the Taygan switches to autonomous flight mode upon command. The system safely concludes its mission by returning to its takeoff point and performing a tail-first vertical landing.

About Han Robotics

Founded in September 2025 as an R&D company within YTÜ Yıldız Technopark, Han Robotics develops the autonomous technologies of the future from a national and innovative perspective. Designing high-tech, cost-effective, and reliable subsystems across all fields where robotics and automation are integrated—particularly in the defense industry—the company blends current academic advancements with the operational dynamics of the field. In addition to making a strong contribution to Turkey’s goal of technological independence, Han Robotics integrates its engineering expertise in the defense sector into the civilian sector. With its compact and high-performance solutions, the company operates with the vision of becoming a trusted technology partner of choice in both the national and global markets.