Azerbaijan’s New Unmanned Ground Robots: TIGR, SIQR and KIQR – ANALYSIS

Various unmanned aerial, naval and ground systems developed by Azerbaijan’s defence industry were showcased at the ADEX-2026 international defence exhibition held in Baku.

According to Poliqonjurnal, particular attention at the exhibition was drawn to unmanned ground platforms presented by AzSimX, a company operating under the Azersilah Defence Industry Holding.

At ADEX-2026, AzSimX unveiled its SIQR 01, SIQR 02 and TIGR tactical unmanned ground robots, as well as the KIQR 01, KIQR 02 and KIQR 03 platforms, for the first time.

The wheeled TIGR robot, with a payload capacity of up to 500 kg, is equipped with LiDAR technology, cameras and sensors. The platform is primarily designed to deliver supplies to dangerous areas of the battlefield, evacuate wounded personnel and perform other tasks. TIGR can be remotely controlled and can also operate in semi-autonomous mode.

The SIQR 01 tracked unmanned ground robot was presented at the exhibition with two different combat modules. One was equipped with the SARP 12.7 system developed by Türkiye’s ASELSAN, while the other featured the MIDGARD module manufactured by Slovenia’s Valhalla Turrets.

With an unloaded weight of 950 kg, the SIQR 01 has a payload capacity exceeding 600 kg. It can reach a maximum speed of 12 km/h and operate for approximately five hours in its initial configuration. Equipped with LiDAR technology, cameras and radar systems, the platform has a control range of 1 km, which increases to 25 km when satellite communications are used. The SIQR 01 is designed to perform tasks including casualty evacuation, cargo transportation and direct fire support.

The SIQR 02 is smaller than the SIQR 01 in terms of dimensions, weight and payload capacity. The robot has an unloaded weight of 800 kg and a payload capacity of 350 kg. Equipped with LiDAR technology, cameras and radar systems, the platform is designed for direct fire support, logistics and casualty evacuation. The SIQR 02 is fitted with a remotely operated weapon station equipped with a 7.62 mm weapon system developed by Azersilah. The module has an ammunition capacity of 400 rounds and weighs 135 kg.

Unlike the TIGR and SIQR platforms, the robots belonging to the KIQR family are kamikaze-type unmanned ground vehicles. However, they can also be used for reconnaissance and surveillance missions.

The compact, wheeled KIQR robots feature cameras mounted at the front for day and night surveillance. The KIQR 01 has a maximum payload capacity of 90 kg, a top speed of 10 km/h, an operational range of 1 km and an endurance of one hour. The KIQR 02 and KIQR 03 models were also displayed at the exhibition.

In addition to its unmanned ground robots, AzSimX presented high-fidelity simulators of the Igla man-portable air defence system (MANPADS) and a modernised T-72 main battle tank at ADEX-2026.

Recent conflicts around the world have further increased the importance of unmanned systems and demand for these technologies. In particular, the Russia-Ukraine war has become an important source of experience in terms of the battlefield deployment, operational capabilities and future development of such systems. The conflict has once again demonstrated that unmanned platforms play a role not only in reconnaissance and surveillance, but also in logistics, casualty evacuation, fire support and other missions.

This trend is also clearly reflected in the international defence industry, where companies in various countries are investing heavily in the development and enhancement of unmanned technologies.

Against the backdrop of these global trends, Azerbaijan’s focus on this field and its efforts to develop domestic manufacturing capabilities are particularly significant. The range of unmanned ground robots presented by AzSimX at ADEX-2026 demonstrates the work being carried out in Azerbaijan in this area and highlights the introduction of new technological solutions.

In particular, the development of platforms designed for logistics, casualty evacuation, fire support and strike missions reflects an approach aimed at expanding the range of applications for unmanned systems.

Note: The technical specifications presented in this article are based on the manufacturer’s catalogue.