SONGAR 5.56X45mm Assault Rifle

A rotary-wing UAS delivering precision, on-demand fire support and real-time overwatch. Integrates with ground units for coordinated attacks, acts as a force multiplier in asymmetric operations, and employs NATO-standard 5.56 payloads with stabilized, safety-layered firing control. Fielded by armed forces and allied users.

General features

Description

SONGAR® 5.56×45 mm Armed Multi-Role Drone
SONGAR is a combat-ready, rotary-wing unmanned aerial system engineered to deliver precision fire support, real-time overwatch, and rapid reaction capability in complex operational environments. Designed and produced to national military standards, it extends the reach of dismounted or vehicle-borne units by providing armed overwatch from above and the ability to engage threats without exposing personnel.

Built for coordinated operations, SONGAR can be task-linked with ground forces, additional drones, or other battlefield assets to execute synchronized ambushes, interdiction missions, or defensive overwatch. Acting as a force multiplier, it adds organic firepower that can be cued by forward observers, sensor networks, or command elements to increase the probability of mission success, particularly in asymmetric warfare where responsiveness and mobility are critical.

The 5.56×45 mm assault-rifle payload option leverages in-service NATO-standard ammunition, simplifying logistics and integration with existing inventories. A stabilized (gimbaled) firing architecture helps maintain accuracy from the air, while multi-layered firing authorization safeguards reduce the risk of unintended discharge and ensure positive operator control throughout the engagement sequence. These safety and control measures make SONGAR suitable for use around friendly formations and sensitive sites requiring disciplined rules of engagement.

Optimized for expeditionary use, SONGAR supports rapid deployment, responsive tasking, and mission execution in austere conditions. Its armed close-air support role is well suited to protecting critical military installations, reacting quickly to emerging threats, and providing lethal or deterrent effects when mobility and altitude advantage matter most. Deployed operationally with armed forces and partner nations, SONGAR brings battlefield-proven capability to modern security operations.

Product's Features

Barrel elevation between +5 degrees and -45 degrees

Ability to perform 35 minutes of duty without payload

Multi-layered firing safety measures

Close air support capability for critical military installations

Rapid response to known threats

Gimbaled Automatic Firing System (GOAS)

Compatible with in-service 5.56x45 mm NATO standard firearms

is a remotely-operated armed drone system, the first of its kind developed indigenously for the Turkish Armed Forces' inventory

Designed for effective deployment across a wide range of military and security operations, SONGAR is capable of both day and night missions. It can operate within a 5 km radius and up to an altitude of 3000 meters mean sea level (MSL). SONGAR is built with ergonomic and user-friendly features to minimize operator workload during critical tasks, such as executing return-to home procedures in the event of a lost link, re-tasking mid-flight, and switching between autonomous and manual flight modes.

The SONGAR Ground Control Station is optimized for effective drone operation, featuring a compact, portable design suitable for tactical field use. During operations, real time camera feed, flight telemetry, and mission mapping are displayed simultaneously and can be recorded effortlessly. The Ground Control Station enables mission-critical functions, including starting and stopping recordings and reviewing previously captured data. Currently fielded by the Turkish Armed Forces, SONGAR is operated by highly skilled military personnel.

SONGAR Operational Concepts

Coordinated Attacks

SONGAR can be used to coordinate attacks with other military assets, such as ground troops or other drones, to create a more comprehensive ambush strategy. This coordination can increase the likelihood of a successful outcome.

Force Multiplication

SONGAR can act as force multipliers by providing additional firepower and support to ground troops. This can enhance the overall effectiveness of an ambush, especially in asymmetric warfare scenarios.

Suprise and Stealth

SONGAR can be deployed stealthily, allowing forces to launch a surprise attack without revealing their location or presence. This element of surprise is crucial in an ambush, enabling a higher chance of success.

Diversion and Distraction

SONGAR can create diversions or distractions to draw enemy attention away from the movement of friendly forces. This can help minimize the risk of detection.

Surveillance and Intelligence

Before launching an ambush, SONGAR can be used for reconnaissance and surveillance, providing real-time intelligence on enemy movements, positions, and activities. This information is crucial for planning a successful ambush.

Flexibility and Rapid Response

SONGAR offers flexibility in terms of deployment and can be rapidly redeployed to different locations as needed. This ability to adapt quickly is beneficial in ambush scenarios, where timing and mobility are critical.

Scenario: Neutralizing a High-Value Target in a Remote Location

Objective: A military unit has identified a high-ranking enemy leader who frequently travels through a remote mountainous region to inspect operations and meet with field commanders.
The objective is to ambush the leader's convoy without causing excessive collateral damage or risking troops on the ground.

Preparation and Planning​

Intelligence Gathering:
A military unit has identified a high-ranking enemy leader who frequently travels through a remote mountainous region to inspect operations and meet with field commanders. The objective is to ambush the leader's convoy without causing excessive collateral damage or risking troops on the ground.

Strategic Positioning:
SONGAR determine the optimal location for the ambush. They choose a point along the mountain pass where the terrain provides natural cover and limited escape routes for the enemy convoy.

Coordination with Ground Forces:
While the focus is on SONGAR, a small team of special forces operators is positioned at a safe distance to provide support if needed and to confirm the success of the ambush.

Execution

Triggering the Ambush:
On the operation time, SONGAR launched and positioned over the mountain pass. SONGAR operators wait for the target convoy to enter the designated kill zone.

Initial Strike:
When the convoy reaches the ambush point, SONGAR launch a coordinated attack. The drones target the lead and rear vehicles to block the convoy's escape routes.

Follow-Up Attacks:
Once the convoy is immobilized, SONGAR focus on key assets within the convoy, such as armed escorts or communication vehicles, to prevent retaliation or calls for reinforcements.

Diversions and Suppression:
To maintain control of the situation, additional SONGAR drops smoke bombs and engage any hostile forces attempting to counterattack or escape.

Extraction and Aftermath

Safety and Rapid Extraction:
With the convoy neutralized, the ground team verifies the status of the high-value target and retrieves any important intelligence. SONGAR provide overhead security to ensure a safe extraction.

Post-Operation Surveillance:
After the ambush, SONGAR continue to monitor the area for enemy reinforcements or other developments. This ongoing surveillance helps assess the impact of the operation and provides valuable intelligence for future missions.

Outcome

The ambush achieves its objective by eliminating the high-value target and disrupting enemy operations with minimal risk to friendly forces. SONGAR allows for a precision attack, reducing the need for large troop deployments and lowering the risk of casualties.