Türkiye’s drone makers develop life-saving UAVs for disaster rescue missions

Leading Turkish firms are developing life-saving drones to support rescue operations in natural disasters, as unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) gain prominence in evacuating people from difficult and dangerous environments.

Global attention to the use of drones in emergencies grew recently after a man was airlifted to safety by a drone in Vietnam’s Srepok River in Cu Jut district. Flooding left him stranded, and conventional rescue efforts failed due to rising waters and challenging terrain. An agricultural drone with a 100-kilogram (220-pound) carrying capacity ultimately became his lifeline, transporting him to a safe point where rescue teams pulled him from the water.

Turkish defense companies are now producing high-capacity cargo drones with similar capabilities, making them increasingly suitable for search-and-rescue missions.

Zyrone Dynamics, Titra Technology and DASAL are among the leading firms developing UAVs designed to function in extreme disaster conditions.

Photo shows DASAL’sl cargo UAV, PUHU C75, accessed on Nov. 25, 2025. (AA Photo)

Next-generation, high-capacity drone

Zyrone Dynamics’ ZD360 cargo UAV is a next-generation, high-capacity platform capable of operating within a 10-kilometer (6.2-mile) radius while carrying a payload of 60 kilograms. It can transport loads of up to 100 kilograms within a 1-kilometer radius. Its compact size, roughly one-fourth of comparable systems, allows for easy transport by vehicle and rapid deployment in the field.

Titra Technology’s Alpin is Türkiye’s first unmanned helicopter. It can carry a payload of up to 200 kilograms, including fuel. Its high transport capacity and long endurance make it well-suited for missions in mountainous regions and areas affected by floods or fires.

DASAL produces several cargo UAVs, including the PUHU C75, which can carry up to 75 kilograms. The PUHU C75 is an upgraded model with a higher payload capacity and enhanced adaptability to evolving technologies and operational needs, including extended range.

The company’s PUHU C100 was designed to meet essential logistical requirements in the field, offering a 100-kilogram payload capacity, long range and high horizontal speed. DASAL also manufactures the CONDOR-C150, which can carry a 150-kilogram payload for up to 30 minutes.

While these high-payload, autonomous and resilient drone systems are widely used in the defense sector, Turkish firms see significant potential for their deployment in humanitarian and emergency operations during floods, earthquakes and wildfires.

Such drones can reduce casualties and limit environmental damage by enabling rapid, effective and safe rescue efforts, keeping responders out of hazardous areas while delivering essential support.

November 26, 2025 03:00 AM GMT+03:00