Turkey has unveiled its strongest non-nuclear weapon to date—the GAZAP bomb. At 970 kilograms, the GAZAP was unveiled during the International Defence Industry Fair (IDEF) 2025 in Istanbul. It was designed by the National Defence Ministry’s R&D centre and is equipped with an improved fragment dispersion system, a large blast radius, and complete F-16 fighter jet compatibility.
Alongside it, Turkey also unveiled the hypersonic Tayfun Block-4 missile and the NEB-2 Ghost bunker-buster, three disclosures that together demonstrate Ankara’s growing military prowess and assertiveness in regional defence planning.
What Distinguishes the GAZAP Bomb From its Counterparts?
The GAZAP bomb is a game changer in the conventional weapon arena of Türkiye. It produces 10.16 fragment explosions per meter (3.2 feet) compared to one explosion for every 3 meters (9.8 feet) previously. The greater density has an enormous impact on its lethality against the enemy personnel and infrastructure.
With a massive blast radius, it guarantees extensive area coverage and devastation. The weapon is air-delivered, mainly from Türkiye’s F-16s, indicating emphasis on quick-response airpower.
NEB-2 Ghost: Turkey’s New-Generation Bunker-Buster
Turkey also exhibited the NEB-2 Ghost, a 970-kg third-generation bunker-buster bomb. The weapon attacks hardened buried infrastructure. Officials announced it was tested on an island, where it penetrated the ground as much as 90 meters (295 feet) deep. The strike caused landslides, gas leaks, and extensive rock damage over a 160-meter (524-foot) radius.
Its 240-millisecond delayed detonation time—almost 10 times longer than traditional bombs—makes it catastrophic against hardened targets. As with the GAZAP, it can also be launched from F-16 platforms, and thus it is flexible and operationally versatile.
Turkey’s Missile Capability Increases With Tayfun Block-4
Turkey launched its first hypersonic ballistic missile, the Tayfun Block-4, earlier this week. The Roketsan-made missile’s long-range accuracy, speed, and agility add to Ankara’s arsenal. It can launch attacks deep within enemy territory and breach enemy defences thanks to its exceptional manoeuvrability.
The Tayfun Block-4 is a technological leap forward for Turkiye, joining a small number of countries capable of deploying hypersonic systems.
Strategic Messaging to Competitors & Allies
Turkey’s reveal of three cutting-edge weapon systems is not merely about military technological advancement—it is a message. Given the heightened tensions in the Middle East, Eastern Mediterranean, and Caucasus, Ankara appears keen to demonstrate its power and technological independence.
By demonstrating the GAZAP, NEB-2 Ghost, and Tayfun missiles at IDEF 2025, Turkey is sending a message to NATO, adversaries, and defence allies that it will no longer rely exclusively on imported weapons.
This measure is a response to the evolving global security landscape and the growing desire of countries such as Turkey to have greater control over their strategic position.
A New Defensive Force
These new platforms are helping Turkey transition quickly from importing weapons to developing defences. Ankara’s military posture has changed significantly with the introduction of the GAZAP bomb and its analogues, which prioritize domestic innovation and regional deterrence.
Turkey’s increasing military power will influence defence planning well beyond its borders as it updates its arsenal.
