Introduced at SAHA EXPO 2022, the Gurbag Hydro-GIDS smart defence system offers an integrated, sustainable and coordinated defence approach against threats from land. When analyzed through its integrated structure, Hydro-GIDS incorporates the communication and multi-spectrum detection capabilities besides engagement. The system components can be listed as:
- Hydrogen launch system that can be used with kamikaze UAVs weighing from 5 to 50 kg (ALPAGU, ALPAGUT…) and similar precision-guided munitions
- A communication system for data sharing with other factors
- An electro optics system
- An mmW (millimetre wavelength) radar
The hydrogen launch system can also be considered as the distinguishing component of Hydro-GIDS. Conventional launch systems operate on the detonation principle, therefore they are only for single use or require laborious maintenance processes for reuse. In addition to that, for the ammunition and thus engagement success, the detonation of the launch carries certain risks.
Being a potential solution for these problems, the hydrogen launch system provides advantages to the user such as fast refill and low cost of use. As it had been seen in the Russo-Ukrainian War, fast refill and low maintenance are prominent needs on a high-intensity battlefield. Thanks to its flexible design, the hydrogen-propelled launch system can be configured for different kinds of munitions. Gurbag Defence continues their works in this field.
Hydro-GIDS can detect and follow the threats that are out of the range of optic systems or in weather conditions with reduced visibility by Using the Electro-optic system and mmW radar for detection. The communication system enables instantaneous data sharing from the sensors with the surrounding systems and command and control elements.
The image below is a concept study prepared by Defence Turk based on the target types and usage of Hydro-GIDS.
Hydro-GIDS can be used against asymmetrical threats and military elements (such as infantry, armed or unarmed vehicles of the enemy, air defence systems, command elements, etc.), either trailer-mounted or, if needed, on vehicles with suitable payload capacity (e.g. armoured combat vehicles, tactical-wheeled…). Usage scenarios can be divided into two main groups as “Border Security” and “Symmetric Warfare”, on the basis of the threat environment and configurations.
In the 21st century, numerous countries have started to pay more attention to the security of their borders due to terrorism, smuggling activities and wars that have increased compared to previous years. The countries seeking solutions in this regard are mostly located in the Middle East and South America regions. In the Border Security scenario, it may be expected that there will be asymmetrical threats with lower level of protection and the defending side will be mostly in a fixed position thus the towed configuration will be predominant due to the need to use high numbers. Both with its own acquisition and tracking capabilities that it possesses and shares with other elements, and with the reconnaissance and surveillance support that the kamikaze UAVs on board can alternatively provide, Hydro GIDS can provide a significant advantage in terms of acquisition and tracking.
In the Symmetric Warfare scenario, where military targets are at the forefront, threats with higher protection are more common, bringing up the need for high mobility and long-range engagement. At this point, ALPAGUT, which has a heavier warhead and longer range and the configuration integrated on the vehicle would more suitable. Thanks to its increased protection and high mobility, the mobile configuration can also take part in defending units that are constantly on the move, in addition to base defence. In addition to the engagement capabilities, ALPAGUT UAV can also be used for reconnaissance and surveillance while passing through dangerous areas owing to its gimbaled electro-optical system.
Being able to be used in different scenarios, Hydro-GIDS has a significant potential for export in addition to the benefits it can provide in the field. The first signs of this potential began to emerge at IDEX 2023 (For which Defence Turk was a media partner) when UAE officials showed interest in the hydrogen launch system developed by Gürbağ.
