Baykar Chairman and Chief Technology Officer Selçuk Bayraktar announced significant advancements in Turkey’s unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) industry. From successful flight tests to expansion into international markets, Baykar continues to make major progress in multiple areas.
New Milestones in UAV Development
Speaking at a recent event, Bayraktar highlighted the first successful flight test of the Bayraktar Akıncı-C and the continuous expansion of Baykar’s UAV family. The Bayraktar Akıncı has now surpassed 50,000 flight hours, moving steadily toward the 100,000-hour milestone. Additionally, Bayraktar Kalkan DIHA and Kemankeş mini smart cruise missiles have been added to the product lineup.
Bayraktar emphasized another key achievement:
“The Bayraktar TB2 UAV became the first drone to perform an autonomous barrel roll, proving its advanced maneuverability.”
Bayraktar TB2: Success Before Retirement
After entering service with the Turkish Land Forces in 2014, the Bayraktar TB2 has now completed 10,000 flight hours, after which it was retired. Another Bayraktar TB2, operated by the Turkish Gendarmerie, also reached this milestone and successfully concluded its operational service.
Bayraktar TB3: A Historic First in Aviation
The Bayraktar TB3 has made history as the first UAV capable of taking off and landing from a short-runway aircraft carrier, the TCG Anadolu. Bayraktar described this as a major global achievement, positioning the TB3 as a leader in its class.
Additionally, the Bayraktar TB2 has surpassed 1 million flight hours, reinforcing its status as one of the most combat-proven UAVs in the world.
New Steps in Domestic and International Operations
Baykar continues its humanitarian contributions, such as providing permanent housing units for earthquake victims in Adıyaman, Hatay, and Kahramanmaraş. Bayraktar stated:
“This initiative reflects Baykar’s mission and social responsibility.”
Bayraktar also confirmed that the serial production of the Bayraktar Kızılelma unmanned fighter jet is ongoing and that the platform will soon enter service. Additionally:
- Bayraktar TB3 is set for mass production, enabling both land and naval operations.
- Bayraktar Kalkan DIHA and Kemankeş mini cruise missile will also become operational.
Baykar’s Global Market Share and New Ventures
Bayraktar revealed that Baykar controls 60% of the global UAV market, while Turkey accounts for 65% of the world’s drone industry. Baykar has been the largest UAV manufacturer worldwide for four consecutive years, outpacing its American competitors by threefold.
Furthermore, Baykar has received approval from the Italian government to acquire Piaggio Aerospace, marking Baykar’s entry into the European manned aviation sector.
Additionally, as part of the Fergani Project, Baykar successfully launched its first satellite into space and plans to launch a second satellite and an Orbital Transfer Vehicle later this year.
Summarizing the company’s future plans, Bayraktar stated:
“Kızılelma’s serial production continues, and the platform will soon be operational. Bayraktar TB3 will play an active role in both land and naval operations.”
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