Türkiye Debuts GAZAP (WRATH) Bomb in Strike Power Milestone
At IDEF 2025, Türkiye officially unveiled its most formidable non-nuclear weapon to date—the GAZAP, a domestically developed 2,000-kilogram class air-dropped guided bomb. This breakthrough underscores Türkiye’s growing capacity to field strategic, high-payload munitions independently of foreign suppliers. Developed by TÜBİTAK SAGE and integrated by the Turkish Air Force, the bomb is described as the heaviest smart munition in the nation’s defense inventory.
Technical Specs and Indigenous Development Process
The GAZAP bomb is guided by an INS/GPS-based system, offering precision-strike capabilities over long ranges. Weighing in at two tons, the bomb represents a technological leap in Türkiye’s ability to produce heavy-payload, guided munitions that until now were sourced through NATO allies. TÜBİTAK SAGE’s critical role in this development affirms the institution’s strategic significance in missile and warhead design for the Turkish Armed Forces.
Unlike foreign equivalents, GAZAP’s development and production are entirely indigenous. This ensures operational security and uninterrupted supply, especially in scenarios where arms embargoes or export restrictions may arise—an increasing concern in global arms trade dynamics.
Strategic Relevance of GAZAP in Regional Deterrence
The timing of the GAZAP bomb’s announcement reflects a broader doctrinal shift in Türkiye’s defense posture. As regional tensions persist in the Eastern Mediterranean, the Middle East, and Black Sea theaters, a precision-guided weapon of this scale significantly enhances deterrence. When mounted on Türkiye’s F-16s and eventually the TF-X KAAN stealth fighter, GAZAP offers a high-impact solution for hardened or deeply buried targets, command structures, or strategic runways.
While GAZAP is officially classified as a non-nuclear bomb, its weight class and payload characteristics approach the operational impact zone of bunker-buster munitions. It complements the broader spectrum of TÜBİTAK SAGE-developed systems, including KGK, HGK, and NEB guided bomb series.
Implications for NATO and Defense Export Policy
Türkiye’s unveiling of GAZAP sends clear signals to NATO allies and potential defense customers. With the increasing global demand for autonomous, non-Western munitions suppliers, GAZAP strengthens Türkiye’s bid to become a prominent exporter of high-impact air-launched weapons. While not currently cleared for export, the bomb could be offered under bilateral agreements with trusted partners in the Middle East, Asia, or North Africa.
This development aligns with Türkiye’s overarching defense strategy to reduce foreign dependency, increase indigenous content in defense production (currently exceeding 80%), and boost the export competitiveness of its strategic munitions portfolio.
Conclusion: Türkiye’s Precision Strike Era Advances
The unveiling of the GAZAP bomb is not just a milestone in terms of size or technical complexity—it’s a message of industrial and doctrinal maturity. As Türkiye pushes to finalize next-gen platforms like the KAAN stealth fighter and integrates them with heavy-class munitions, its self-reliance in strategic strike capability takes a significant leap forward.
The GAZAP bomb marks a new era in Türkiye’s strategic deterrence capabilities, fortifying its defense doctrine with high-impact, indigenous precision strike options.
Explore Türkiye’s indigenous missile programs in our in-depth feature here.
Source: Read the full AA report on GAZAP bomb
