Turkish firm SYS begins shipments of CANiK M3 FALCON anti-drone machine gun

Turkish defense firm Samsun Yurt Savunma (SYS) has begun overseas shipments of its CANiK M3 FALCON, a next-generation heavy machine gun developed to destroy drones and unmanned aerial vehicles from helicopters, said the company's chair. The 12.7x99 mm heavy machine gun was showcased for the first time at SAHA 2026 in Istanbul.

Anti-drone design

Speaking to Anadolu, SYS Chair Zafer Aral said the CANiK M3 FALCON was designed specifically for the changing battlefield, where low-cost drones and loitering munitions have become a major operational threat. "The CANiK M3 FALCON is a design developed entirely against drones, against Shahed-type drones, to neutralize drones from helicopters. It is currently being used effectively. The first shipments were made to Pakistan and Azerbaijan."

Operational concept

Aral said the system allows helicopters to respond to drones detected by radar, noting that Shahed-type drones fly at around 250 km/h, a speed helicopters can match. "When radar detects these drones, helicopters take off, open their doors and can neutralize them completely with FALCONs." The weapon can reach a firing rate of 1,200 rounds per minute from helicopters.

Shipments and integration

Shipments of more than 40 CANiK M3 FALCONs have started for integration into more than 20 helicopters in Azerbaijan. Initial products have also been sent to Pakistan. Preliminary work has begun for possible use on Türkiye's Gökbey helicopter, with tests completed in Konya alongside Aselsan.

Kosovo deal

Aral also announced a major agreement with Kosovo worth over $50 million to arm existing armored vehicles. "We will arm 100 land vehicles with turrets and 30x113 mm cannons."

New war concept

Aral said Türkiye has reached a new position in the global defense industry as warfare shifts toward unmanned systems. "Wars are now being fought with low-cost unmanned land, sea, and air vehicles and the most effective weapons these vehicles can carry. Today we can say Türkiye is the only country in the world that has this concept in hand."