Turkey has unveiled its most powerful non-nuclear bomb, named Gazap (meaning Wrath in Turkish), at the 17th International Defence Industry Fair (IDEF) 2025 in Istanbul. Weighing 970 kilograms, the bomb represents a major leap in Turkey’s defence technology and has been described as one of the most lethal conventional weapons ever built.
Features and Capabilities of Gazap
- The Gazap bomb is a fragmentation-based thermobaric weapon capable of dispersing an extraordinary 10.16 fragment explosions per metre.
- Designed to produce a massive kill zone with unprecedented precision.
- Contains nearly 10,000 controlled particles dispersing within a one-kilometre radius, making it three times more powerful than standard MK-series bombs.
Testing and Thermobaric Power
- Military trials showcased Gazap’s devastating impact, creating shockwaves and a smoke cloud spanning 160 metres.
- Capable of reaching temperatures of up to 3,000°C, melting steel and concrete.
- Extreme overpressure vaporizes everything within its range.
Aircraft Compatibility and Future Expansion
- Fully compatible with F-16 fighter jets and F-4 Phantom aircraft.
- Future modifications could make Gazap deployable from drones, increasing its battlefield versatility.
NEB-2 Ghost: Another Game-Changer
- The NEB-2 Ghost (Hayalet) is a 970-kilogram bomb designed for deep penetration strikes.
- Capable of penetrating seven metres of ultra-strong concrete (C50 grade).
- Delayed explosion mechanism allows it to burrow deeper before detonating, amplifying its destructive impact.
Strategic and Global Implications
- Turkey’s ambition to become a global leader in advanced weapons technology is highlighted by the unveiling of Gazap.
- Investing heavily in domestic research and development aims to reduce reliance on foreign defence imports.
- Gazap redefines the boundaries of conventional warfare.
Controversy and Legal Standing
- Thermobaric bombs are among the deadliest conventional weapons, not explicitly banned by international law for use against enemy positions.
- Targeting civilians with such weapons remains prohibited.
- Thermobaric weapons have been historically used in various conflicts, raising humanitarian concerns.
Key Takeaways for Competitive Exams
- Turkey unveiled Gazap, its most powerful non-nuclear bomb, at IDEF 2025.
- Gazap is a fragmentation-based thermobaric weapon with unprecedented precision.
- The bomb’s thermobaric power and aircraft compatibility make it a significant advancement in conventional weapons technology.
- NEB-2 Ghost, another 970-kilogram bomb, complements Turkey’s arsenal for deep penetration strikes.
- Investment in domestic R&D signifies Turkey’s goal to lead in advanced weapons technology.
