The national UCAV Bayraktar TB2T-AI has broken its own altitude record by reaching 37,096 feet with its turbo engine and artificial intelligence technology. The next-generation aerial vehicle has once again etched its name into aviation history with its autonomous systems.
Developed using Turkey’s domestic and national resources, the unmanned aerial vehicle Bayraktar TB2T-AI has achieved another milestone in the skies. The new-generation UCAV, developed by Baykar, reached an altitude of 37,096 feet during a test flight conducted in Keşan on 6 May 2025, surpassing its previous record.
Record-Breaking Climb Powered by Turbo Engine and AI
Thanks to its powerful turbo engine, Bayraktar TB2T-AI quickly ascended above 30,000 feet, pushing the boundaries of altitude. The UCAV, which previously reached 30,318 feet on 21 February 2025, has now taken its high-altitude capability to a new level by climbing to 37,096 feet.
With speeds exceeding 160 knots (300 km/h) and increased take-off weight, the TB2T-AI stands out not only in terms of speed and altitude but also in mission endurance and operational efficiency, outperforming existing UCAV systems.
A New Era in Autonomous Air Combat
The new-generation TB2T-AI has achieved fully autonomous flight capability thanks to its integration with three AI-powered computers. Even in challenging electronic warfare environments, the system can perform visual navigation and autonomously carry out tasks such as terrain-referenced direction finding, target detection, analysis, and identification.
Advanced AI-supported features such as visual runway recognition, dynamic route planning, and autonomous take-off and landing position the TB2T-AI as a leader in its class. Its ability to return safely to base under any emergency conditions significantly enhances operational safety.
More Than a UCAV: Active Role in Military and Civilian Operations
The Bayraktar TB2 family plays an active role not only in military missions but also during civilian crises. Bayraktar TB2s participated in search and rescue operations following the 2020 Elazığ and 2023 Kahramanmaraş earthquakes and helped accelerate emergency response by detecting 4,091 forest fires between 2020 and 2024 at the earliest stages.
Baykar’s Global Power: Leading in Exports
Baykar carries out all its projects using its own resources and generates 90% of its revenue from exports. With $1.8 billion in exports in 2023, Baykar became one of Turkey’s leading defence exporters and maintained this success into 2024. The Bayraktar TB2 has been incorporated into the inventories of 34 countries, while the AKINCI UCAV is now used by 11 countries.
Flights That Made Aviation History
Bayraktar TB2 has made history in aviation with several firsts. On 31 May 2024, it became the first and only UCAV to autonomously perform a “barrel roll” manoeuvre. On 9 April 2025, it successfully completed an “autonomous spin recovery” manoeuvre.
In 2019, the TB2 set a record in Kuwait with a continuous flight time of 27 hours and 3 minutes. It has proven highly effective in active conflict zones such as Libya, Karabakh, and Ukraine, in addition to serving the Turkish Armed Forces and security forces.
