Turkish innovation: ZMA‑X combat robot unveiled at teknofest

During the TEKNOFEST 2024 festival held in Adana, the Turkish company ASELSAN showcased the ZMA-X land combat robot. Here's what it is.

According to the portal TurDef, the ZMA-X presented at TEKNOFEST 2024 is the third Turkish land robot, following FNSS's Shadow Rider and Otokar's Alpar. Combat robots assist infantry soldiers by providing fire support and reconnaissance capabilities in challenging terrain.

This direction is being explored by all major players, from China to Russia, European countries, and the United States, with efforts ranging from experimenting with remotely controlled vehicle variants already in service to developing entirely new designs.

ASELSAN used the base of the widely deployed ACV-15 armored personnel carrier in Turkey, which weighs 31,000 pounds and is an evolution of the renowned American M113. On this platform, they mounted the NEFER turret.

This turret is equipped with a 25mm automatic cannon, capable of posing a significant threat to a wide range of targets at distances up to 19 miles, as demonstrated by the combat effectiveness of M2A2 Bradley infantry fighting vehicles in Ukraine.

ASELSAN’s design allows these armored personnel carriers, which traditionally do not provide extensive crew protection, to be used in highly risky assault tasks where losses are expected. Turkey has over 2,000 units in its inventory. A relevant example of where such remotely operated vehicles would be advantageous is the beginning of the unsuccessful Ukrainian counteroffensive in the summer of 2023.

Engaging narrow paths through minefields under artillery and anti-tank guided missile fire is a daunting scenario that invariably results in losses, and remotely operated robots are less valuable than human lives.

The radio control range of the Turkish robot remains unknown. In addition to cameras, it is apparent that the ZMA-X has been outfitted with additional armor plates that protect the key drive and electronic components and LIDAR systems that significantly enhance situational awareness around the vehicle. Operating such a vehicle is similar to using Strykers with a remotely controlled weapon turret from inside, ensuring the operation is conducted safely from a few miles away.