Türkiye's HAVA SOJ electronic warfare aircraft continues test flights over Ankara

HAVA SOJ, which can remotely detect and jam radar and communications systems without entering enemy airspace, conducted simultaneous flights with a TUSAŞ test aircraft. The first delivery is targeted for next year.

HAVA SOJ, Türkiye's domestically developed electronic warfare aircraft, continues its test flights. Flight-tracking images showed HAVA SOJ flying over Ankara at the same time as a TUSAŞ test aircraft.

Designed as a "stand-off jammer," HAVA SOJ is being developed to detect, identify and locate radar and communications systems from long range without entering enemy airspace, and to neutralize them electronically.

HAVA SOJ electronic warfare aircraft with a green-lined interior during a test flight

Global 6000 airframes and ASELSAN systems

As part of the project, Bombardier Global 6000 business jets are being structurally modified by TUSAŞ and equipped with domestically developed electronic warfare systems designed by ASELSAN. The program, conducted under the coordination of the Presidency of Defense Industries, plans to add four aircraft to the inventory of the Turkish Air Force Command.

According to TUSAŞ General Manager Mehmet Demiroğlu, the integration of mission systems has been completed on one aircraft, while external modification work has been completed on another. Two aircraft are continuing test and qualification flights.

Flight trails of HAVA SOJ and a TUSAŞ test aircraft over Ankara

Deliveries targeted for next year

Demiroğlu said, "HAVA SOJ is a project on which we are working very closely with ASELSAN to meet the needs of the Air Force. I cannot go into much detail, but our testing continues. If all goes well, we will begin deliveries next year." Demiroğlu added that the project had also attracted interest from abroad.

With HAVA SOJ entering service, the Turkish Air Force is expected to gain a new electronic warfare capability that can suppress threats to fighter aircraft from outside the airspace.

Have a story, event or announcement of your own?Send us your news on WhatsApp

Spotted an error in this story?Report it on WhatsApp

Share on all social platforms