Autonomous Combat Scenarios Tested in a Realistic Environment
In parallel with rapid technological advancements, Unmanned Aerial Vehicles—whose fields of operation are expanding day by day—are no longer limited to reconnaissance and surveillance missions. Building on this transformation, the Combat UAV Competition aims to equip autonomous systems with maneuvering and engagement capabilities similar to air-to-air and air-to-ground combat performed by manned fighter aircraft.
Within the scope of the competition, controlled scenarios provide a unique experience in which participants can simultaneously test perception, decision-making, and maneuvering capabilities. Throughout the competition, all UAVs remain airborne simultaneously and engage with one another. Opponent UAVs are detected via image processing methods on the strike zone display and targeted through virtual lock-on. With no physical contact involved, participants have the opportunity to develop their algorithms using aggressive maneuvers and evasive strategies.
Two Missions, One Goal: Superior Autonomy
The Combat UAV Competition consists of two main missions: Combat UAV and Kamikaze UAV. In the core Combat UAV mission, teams strive to successfully lock onto their opponents while simultaneously avoiding being locked onto themselves. The Kamikaze UAV mission serves as a complementary component of this structure. To be eligible for the grand prize, teams must successfully complete the Kamikaze UAV mission in at least one competition round.
Challenging Conditions, Smart Algorithms
During the matches, air defense systems activated for specific periods by referees are defined as virtual restricted zones. These areas, which involve no physical intervention, require teams to develop advanced algorithms that both avoid prohibited zones and conduct effective engagements against rival UAVs. In this way, the competition highlights not only technical skills but also strategic thinking capabilities.
High school and university students studying in Türkiye and abroad, as well as graduates, are eligible to participate in the competition. Teams may consist of a minimum of 3 and a maximum of 15 members. Offering a valuable experience for young people who wish to develop their skills in autonomous systems, image processing, and artificial intelligence, the competition’s application deadline has been announced as 20 February 2026.
Major Prizes, Strong Motivation
Teams ranking in the Combat UAV Competition will be awarded significant prizes. The first-place team will receive TRY 600,000, the second-place team TRY 500,000, and the third-place team TRY 400,000. Beyond the technical experience it offers, the competition aims to contribute to building a strong future for young people in the fields of defense and aviation technologies.
The Combat Unmanned Aerial Vehicle Competition, organized within the scope of TEKNOFEST 2026, invites all young innovators who want to push the limits of the skies and have a say in the future of autonomous technologies to join this major challenge.
