ADEX 2026: Azerbaijan unveils KASIRGA VTOL UAV and new small arms

At the ADEX 2026 exhibition in Baku, Bayraktar Teknoloji introduced the KASIRGA, a compact unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) manufactured in Azerbaijan. Designed for both intelligence and precision strike missions, the KASIRGA features vertical take-off and landing (VTOL) capabilities, allowing it to operate without a runway.

The UAV is equipped with AI-supported electro-optical guidance and electronic warfare capabilities. It can conduct reconnaissance missions up to 90 km away or perform one-sided strikes at a range of 60 km. Its operational range can be further extended through relay connections with Bayraktar TB2, TB3, or AKINCI drones. The KASIRGA has a maximum takeoff weight of 33 kg and a payload capacity of up to 6 kg.

In addition to drone technology, the exhibition showcased new Azerbaijani-made small arms. These include a new national rifle developed from the M4 platform that meets NATO standards using 5.56x45 mm ammunition, as well as the AZ 7,62 R assault rifle. The ADEX 2026 event features participation from 53 countries and approximately 280 companies, including major international defense firms from the United States, Germany, and the United Kingdom.