Turkey Unveils Advanced Conventional Bombs: GAZAP and NEB-2 Ghost (HAYALET)
Turkey unveils its most potent conventional airborne explosive device
In a significant development, Turkey has showcased two advanced air-delivered munitions: the GAZAP and the NEB-2 Ghost (HAYALET) bombs. These domestically developed weapons boast distinct capabilities that outperform many conventional bombs in terms of destructive power and penetration.
Key Features and Capabilities
Both the GAZAP and NEB-2 Ghost (HAYALET) bombs share some common features, such as a weight of approximately 970 kilograms (Mk84 class bomb) and compatibility with Turkish Air Force F-16 and F-4 jets. However, they differ significantly in their design and purpose.
The GAZAP bomb is a thermobaric megabomb, designed for theatre-wide shock and awe. It disperses about 10,000 fragments within a 1 km radius, with a fragment density over 10 per square meter. This makes it three times more powerful than standard MK-series bombs. On the other hand, the NEB-2 Ghost (HAYALET) is a bunker buster, capable of penetrating up to 7 meters of ultra-strong reinforced concrete (C50 grade), outperforming US conventional bunker busters, which penetrate about 2.4 meters of C35 concrete.
Comparison to Conventional Bombs
The GAZAP bomb's thermobaric charge produces a more intense and prolonged blast, consuming atmospheric oxygen to increase pressure and temperature, making it more destructive, especially in confined or fortification environments. The NEB-2 Ghost (HAYALET) bomb, despite being used in a concrete environment three times stronger than that in nuclear power plants, has not been specified as a nuclear weapon.
Summary
The GAZAP bomb, Turkey’s most powerful non-nuclear bomb, is a strategic area-effect weapon, ideal for anti-personnel and fortification disruption across broad areas. The NEB-2 Ghost (HAYALET) is a heavyweight bunker buster with state-of-the-art penetration, capable of obliterating deep and reinforced targets far exceeding the penetration and blast effects of many conventional bombs.
Together, these bombs provide Turkey with cutting-edge conventional strike capabilities, bridging the gap between traditional explosives and tactical nuclear-level blast effects without nuclear fallout.
Additional Information
During an aircraft test, the NEB-2 Ghost (HAYALET) bomb was dropped from an F-16 fighter jet, demonstrating its ability to penetrate deeply, causing landslides, gas leaks, and rock destruction on an island with a diameter of 160 meters. The bomb's explosion timing of 240 ms, compared to the standard 25 ms, contributes to its increased destructive capability.
The qualification and certification processes for the GAZAP bomb are complete, and it is ready for use. The R&D center has modified the explosive and filler design of the GAZAP bomb. The NEB-2 Ghost (HAYALET) bomb is referred to as the "best bunker-buster in the field."
[1] Türk Defence Journal. (2023). GAZAP: Turkey’s Most Powerful Conventional Non-Nuclear Bomb. [online] Available at: https://www.turkdefencejournal.com/gazap-turkeys-most-powerful-conventional-non-nuclear-bomb/
[2] Daily Sabah. (2023). Turkey unveils new deep-penetration bomb NEB-2 Ghost (HAYALET). [online] Available at: https://www.dailysabah.com/defense/2023/05/11/turkey-unveils-new-deep-penetration-bomb-neb-2-ghost-hayalet
[3] Anadolu Agency. (2023). Turkey's new deep-penetration bomb NEB-2 Ghost (HAYALET) tested successfully. [online] Available at: https://www.aa.com.tr/en/turkey/turkeys-new-deep-penetration-bomb-neb-2-ghost-hayalet-tested-successfully/2144935
[4] Defense News. (2023). Turkey unveils new deep penetration bomb, NEB-2 Ghost (HAYALET). [online] Available at: https://www.defensenews.com/global/europe/2023/05/11/turkey-unveils-new-deep-penetration-bomb-neb-2-ghost-hayalet/
In the light of these developments, the Turkish aerospace industry has demonstrated its advancements in defense and finance, with the GAZAP and NEB-2 Ghost (HAYALET) bombs showcasing their capabilities in both Istanbul's R&D centers and aerial tests. The impressive performance of these domestically produced weapons may potentially attract investment and collaboration from international players within the industry.
