Turkey’s Baykar is in the fast lane to expand its global reach, entering advanced talks with ten countries for the sale of its cutting-edge TB2 unmanned combat aerial vehicles (UCAVs). This revelation comes from Selçuk Bayraktar, the company’s Chief Technology Officer, during a high-stakes aviation and space summit at Gebze Technical University. The implications are monumental: as Baykar secures contracts abroad, export revenues could soon represent a significant portion of its financial portfolio.
The TB2 UCAV has already made its mark on the international stage, proving its operational prowess in Azerbaijan, Ukraine, and Qatar, while also seeing action in conflict zones like Syria and Libya. Its role in the recent Nagorno-Karabakh conflict has solidified its reputation as a game-changer in modern warfare. Notably, Poland has taken the lead as the first NATO member to sign a contract for the TB2, which will be equipped with anti-tank munitions and accompanied by a comprehensive logistics and training package. Shipments are set to commence in 2022.
Latvia is on the cusp of becoming the second NATO member to join the ranks of TB2 operators, while Albania has officially earmarked over €8 million for its own procurement, highlighting the growing interest in Turkey’s military technology. As Ankara strides forward as the world’s fourth-largest drone producer, Baykar’s TB2 stands out with its advanced design, impressive flight capabilities, and a payload capacity of 150 kilograms.
With the TB3 variant poised for its maiden flight in 2022, Turkey’s ambitions in unmanned aerial systems are clear. The TB3, designed for high-altitude operations, will integrate seamlessly with the country’s flagship amphibious assault ship, TCG Anadolu. As Baykar continues to innovate, the global defense landscape is set to be reshaped by its pioneering technologies. The world is watching—Turkey’s drone revolution is just beginning.
