Selçuk Bayraktar, one of the pioneering figures in Turkey’s defense industry, was honored with honorary doctorate titles by both Süleyman Demirel University (SDÜ) and Mehmet Akif Ersoy University (MAKÜ) on the same day. As the Chairman of Baykar Technology and the Technical Director of Baykar Defense, Bayraktar highlighted Baykar’s global leadership and its transformative role in Turkey’s defense industry during the ceremonies.
“Baykar: The World’s Largest Unmanned Aerial Vehicle Company”
Speaking at the ceremony held at the MAKÜ Conference and Exhibition Hall in Burdur, which saw significant attendance from young audiences, Bayraktar emphasized Baykar’s achievements:
“Twenty years ago, Turkey was 80% dependent on foreign countries in the defense industry. Today, we have globally leading brands. Baykar is the largest unmanned aerial vehicle company in the world, three times larger than its closest competitor. Over 90% of our revenue comes from exports.”
Milestones of the Defense Industry and Baykar
During his presentation, Bayraktar detailed Baykar’s journey from its establishment to the present, outlining key milestones:
- 2004: Starting with a small robotic aircraft.
- 2008: Deployment of the first mini UAV at Şırnak’s Gabar Mountain.
- 2009: The maiden flight of the globally recognized TB2.
- Karabakh, Idlib, and Olive Branch Operations: Historical contributions of Baykar’s products on the battlefield.
Kızıl Elma and Akıncı: A New Era in Turkish Defense
Bayraktar announced that Kızıl Elma, Turkey’s first unmanned combat aircraft, was completed just a year ahead of the Republic’s 100th anniversary. He also added:
- Akıncı TİHA: A 6-ton UAV developed entirely with domestic resources, achieving record-breaking exports to 35 countries.
- Kızıl Elma: A world-first achievement with two aircraft flying in close formation.
- TB2: The first UAV capable of performing aerobatic maneuvers in midair.
TB3 and Space Endeavors
Among Baykar’s innovative projects is the Bayraktar TB3, capable of automatic takeoff and landing on short-runway ships—an unprecedented development worldwide. Bayraktar also discussed Turkey’s space ambitions, announcing that their first satellite, named Fergani, is scheduled for launch next month.
Honorary Doctorate and Awards Ceremony
At the end of the ceremony, Selçuk Bayraktar was presented with an honorary doctorate title by MAKÜ Rector Prof. Dr. Hüseyin Dalgar and a certificate of merit by Burdur Governor Tülay Baydar Bilgihan. As a token of gratitude, Bayraktar gifted Akıncı models to Rector Dalgar and Governor Bilgihan.
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