Turkey’s first indigenous unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV), the Bayraktar TB2, has evolved into its most advanced version, the Bayraktar TB2T-AI, featuring a turbo engine and AI-powered systems. With superior altitude capabilities, high speed, and smart flight features, this next-gen UAV is set to change the dynamics of the battlefield. After successful test flights in Keşan, it has claimed its place in the sky.
High-Performance Turbo Engine
The Bayraktar TB2T-AI can reach an altitude of over 30,000 feet in just 30 minutes thanks to its turbo engine. During its test flights in Keşan, it set a new altitude record by reaching 30,318 feet. The UAV can achieve a maximum speed of 160 knots (300 km/h), making it one of the highest-performing aircraft in its class.
With an enhanced maximum takeoff weight and increased payload capacity, the TB2T-AI can operate for longer durations on the battlefield, offering critical advantages for air superiority.
AI-Powered Autonomous Flight
The Bayraktar TB2T-AI is equipped with three next-generation AI computers. These systems provide superior autonomous capabilities in aerial combat while enhancing operational resilience against electronic warfare threats.
Key features include:
- Visual navigation that enables terrain recognition for self-positioning.
- A target detection and analysis system for autonomously identifying enemy forces.
- Fully autonomous takeoff and landing, with visual recognition of runways to reduce the need for manual intervention.
- Dynamic route planning that identifies optimal flight paths to enhance operational efficiency.
These advanced systems make the Bayraktar TB2T-AI an indispensable force multiplier on modern battlefields.
Changing the Rules of Engagement
The Bayraktar TB2T-AI is equipped with AI-assisted security systems that enable automatic return to base in emergency situations, maximizing operational security.
Since 2014, the Bayraktar TB2 family has surpassed 1 million flight hours, earning the title of the longest airborne indigenous aircraft in Turkish aviation history. Used by critical institutions such as the Turkish Armed Forces, MIT, Gendarmerie, General Directorate of Security, and the Coast Guard Command, the Bayraktar TB2 also plays a significant role in combating forest fires.
Records and Global Success
The Bayraktar TB2 holds several key records in Turkish aviation history:
- National altitude record of 27,030 feet
- 27 hours and 3 minutes of continuous flight in Kuwait
- First-ever “barrel roll” maneuver performed by a UAV in 2024
Proven on the battlefield, the TB2 played a pivotal role in operations in Libya, Ukraine, Mali, Burkina Faso, and Nagorno-Karabakh, achieving historic successes.
Bayraktar TB2 in NATO and EU Airspace
The Bayraktar TB2 has outperformed its American, European, and Chinese competitors, being chosen by Kuwait, Croatia, and other NATO allies. As of 2024, it has entered the inventories of six NATO allies and four EU member states, solidifying Turkey’s position in the global defense market.
Critical Role in Disaster Relief
Not only used in military operations, the Bayraktar TB2 has been actively involved in natural disasters and humanitarian missions. During the 6 February 2023 Kahramanmaraş earthquake, it flew for 2,417 hours, assisting in search and rescue operations. Additionally, between 2020 and 2024, it detected 4,091 forest fires, contributing to the prevention of environmental disasters.
Baykar Continues as an Export Champion
Since 2003, Baykar has generated 83% of its revenue from exports, becoming Turkey’s largest defense exporter. In 2023, the company achieved $1.8 billion in exports and continued this success in 2024, obtaining 90% of its revenue from exports.
To date, Baykar has signed export agreements with:
- 34 countries for the Bayraktar TB2
- 11 countries for the Bayraktar Akıncı
- A total of 36 countries for defense exports.
Turkey’s Global Leadership in Defense Industry
Baykar has propelled Turkey to a leading position in the global UAV export market. According to data from the Presidency of Defense Industries (SSB) and the Turkish Exporters Assembly (TİM), Turkey has been the export leader in the defense and aviation sectors in 2021, 2022, and 2023.
