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This article was automatically translated from the original Turkish version.

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Havelsan Kapgan

Producer

HAVELSAN

Class

Heavy Class Unmanned Ground Vehicle (UGV)

Weight

Up to 2,000 kg (loaded)

1,400 kg (empty)

Size

320 cm (length) x 175 cm (width) x 100 cm (height)

Maximum Speed

25 km/h

Operating Duration

Approximately 6 hours

Propulsion Type

Fully electric system

Useful Load Capacity

600 kg

Weapon Options

12.7 mm heavy machine gun or 30 mm cannon

Sensor System

Day/night vision, 360° peripheral awareness

Mission

Casualty evacuation

Bomb disposal

Surveillance

Patrol

Cargo transport

Reconnaissance

Autonomous Capabilities

GPS-independent movement, obstacle avoidance, leader following, return-to-base

Communication

5 km tactical data link, GSM and satellite communication support

Command and Control

Integrated with HAVELSAN Command, Control and Autonomy Software

Tests

Night/day firing tests (2023), Canik M2 QCB integration

KAPGAN is a multi-purpose ground platform developed by HAVELSAN and classified within Türkiye's defense industry as a heavy-class unmanned ground vehicle (UGV). Notable for its fully electric propulsion system, high useful payload capacity, and advanced autonomous driving capabilities, KAPGAN is capable of performing a variety of military and civilian missions including reconnaissance and surveillance, armed patrol, cargo transport, and explosive ordnance disposal. Equipped with systems such as a tactical data link, GPS-independent mission execution, and dynamic route planning, the vehicle has been designed to operate effectively under diverse geographical and operational conditions.


Havelsan Kapgan (Havelsan)

General Information

  • Weight: 1,400 kg (unloaded)
  • Maximum Speed: 25 km/h
  • Operating Duration: 6 hours
  • Dimensions: 175 cm (width) x 320 cm (length) x 100 cm (height)
  • Payload Capacity: 600 kg
  • Communication: 5 km tactical data link, GSM and satellite communication infrastructure
  • Surveillance System: 4 meter extendable 360-degree surveillance mast
  • Propulsion System: Fully electric

Mission Capabilities

KAPGAN is capable of performing a range of missions:

  • Weapon Systems: Integrable with a 12.7 mm machine gun and a 30 mm cannon.
  • Reconnaissance and Surveillance: Equipped with sensor systems offering day and night vision capabilities.
  • Cargo Transport: Can be used for equipment transport and logistical support missions.
  • Rescue Operations: Provides support in casualty evacuation and similar tasks.
  • Explosive Ordnance Disposal: Can be employed for detection and neutralization of hazardous objects.
  • Battle Damage Assessment: Suitable for identifying and evaluating damage on the battlefield.


A field image of Havelsan Kapgan (Havelsan)

Autonomous Systems

KAPGAN possesses various autonomous capabilities through the HAVELSAN Autonomy Package:

  • Autonomous Patrol: Can conduct patrols along predefined routes without human intervention.
  • GPS-Independent Operation: Can execute missions even in environments without GPS signal.
  • Dynamic Route Planning: Can detect obstacles and determine the optimal route accordingly.
  • Return-to-Base on Link Loss: Automatically returns to its starting point if communication is lost.
  • Obstacle Avoidance: Detects environmental obstacles to prevent collisions.
  • Leader Following: Moves in coordination by following a designated unit.

Testing Procedures

During its development, KAPGAN underwent a series of tests. In firing trials conducted in 2023, the weapon turret from Unirobotics and the Canik M2 QCB 12.7 mm heavy machine gun were successfully integrated, enabling both day and night firing operations.


Firing moments of the Turkish Unmanned Ground Vehicle KAPGAN (SavunmaSanayiST)

Application Areas

KAPGAN has been designed for use in a variety of operational scenarios:

  • Military Operations: Supports reconnaissance, surveillance, patrol, and assault missions.
  • Border Security: Can be deployed for patrol and monitoring duties along border lines.
  • Disaster Response: Can participate in search and rescue operations during earthquakes and similar disasters.
  • Civil Unrest Response: Provides support to security forces when required.


KAPGAN is a platform developed by HAVELSAN and classified within Türkiye's defense industry as a heavy-class unmanned ground vehicle. Designed with its technical specifications, autonomous systems, and diverse mission capabilities, it is intended to meet a broad range of operational requirements.

Bibliographies

Gazete Vatan. “İnsansız Kara Aracı KAPGAN’ın Teknik Özellikleri Ne? HAVELSAN’ın Ağır Sınıf İnsansız Kara Aracı KAPGAN Hakkında Bilmeniz Gerekenler.” Gazete Vatan. Accessed May 26, 2025.https://www.gazetevatan.com/bilim-ve-teknoloji/insansiz-kara-araci-kapganin-teknik-ozellikleri-ne-havelsanin-agir-sinif-insansiz-kara-araci-kapgan-hakkinda-bilmeniz-gerekenler-2066320.

HAVELSAN. "KAPGAN Hakkında." HAVELSAN. Accessed May 26, 2025.https://www.havelsan.com.tr/urunler/kapgan-otonom-ika.

M5 Dergisi. "HAVELSAN’ın İnsansız Kara Aracı KAPGAN IDEF’23’te Görücüye Çıktı." Accessed May 26, 2025.https://m5dergi.com/one-cikan/havelsanin-insansiz-kara-araci-kapgan-idef23te-gorucuye-cikti.

SavunmaSanayiST. "HAVELSAN KAPGAN İKA, İlk Atış Testini Gerçekleştirdi." SavunmaSanayiST. Accessed May 26, 2025.https://www.savunmasanayist.com/havelsan-kapgan-ika-ilk-atis-testini-gerceklestirdi.

SavunmaSanayiST. “Türk Silahlı İnsansız Kara Aracı KAPGAN'ın atış anları.” YouTube. Accessed May 26, 2025.https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ahPudHlZwzg.

Author Information

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AuthorSüleyman MeydanJuly 21, 2026 at 1:02 PM

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Contents

  • General Information

  • Mission Capabilities

  • Autonomous Systems

  • Testing Procedures

  • Application Areas