Baykar updates on Kizilelma production, acquisition of Piaggio Aerospace
Members of staff stand near the Bayraktar Kizilelma UCAV during the opening day of the SAHA EXPO 2024, an International Defence and Aerospace exhibition, in Istanbul on October 22, 2024. (AFP Photo)
Selcuk Bayraktar, Chairman of the Board and Chief Technology Officer of Baykar, announced a series of significant milestones in Türkiye’s unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) sector, emphasizing the successful flight tests of drones and expanding international market share.
Milestones in UAV development
During a recent event, Bayraktar detailed Baykar‘s latest achievements, including the first successful flight test of the Bayraktar Akinci-C and the continued development of its UAV family.
He noted that the Bayraktar Akinci had surpassed 50,000 flight hours, moving toward 100,000 hours. Additionally, Bayraktar Kalkan DIHA and Kemankes mini smart cruise missiles were introduced to the product lineup.
“Bayraktar TB2 UAV has become the first unmanned aerial vehicle to execute an autonomous barrel roll, demonstrating its advanced maneuverability,” Bayraktar stated.
Retirement of first-generation UAVs
Bayraktar also highlighted the retirement of one of the first Bayraktar TB2 UAVs that entered service in 2014 with the Turkish Land Forces Command.
The UAV had accumulated 10,000 flight hours before being decommissioned. Another Bayraktar TB2 operated by the Gendarmerie General Command also reached 10,000 flight hours, successfully completing its operational life.
Bayraktar TB3 makes history with carrier landing
The Bayraktar TB3 set a historic aviation milestone by becoming the first UAV to take off and land from a short-runway aircraft carrier, the TCG Anadolu.
“This is a major global breakthrough, making Bayraktar TB3 the leading UAV in its class,” Bayraktar said. The Bayraktar TB2, meanwhile, exceeded 1 million flight hours, reinforcing its status as one of the world’s most battle-proven UAVs.
Expansion of domestic and international operations
Baykar continues its humanitarian contributions, including the donation of permanent housing units for earthquake victims in Adiyaman, Hatay, and Kahramanmaras. “With this initiative, we have demonstrated the spirit and mission of Baykar to our entire civilization,” Bayraktar stated.
Looking ahead, Bayraktar confirmed that serial production of Kizilelma, Baykar’s unmanned fighter aircraft, will continue, with the platform set to enter service soon.
The Bayraktar TB3 will also enter mass production and operate both on land and at sea, including within Türkiye’s Blue Homeland doctrine. Meanwhile, the Bayraktar Kalkan DIHA and Kemankes mini cruise missile will enter active duty.
Baykar’s market share and global expansion
According to Bayraktar, Baykar now holds 60% of the global UAV market, with Türkiye commanding 65% of the industry worldwide. He emphasized that the company has become the largest UAV manufacturer in the world for four consecutive years, surpassing American competitors by threefold.
Baykar also received approval from Italy’s Ministry of Enterprises and Made in Italy for the acquisition of Piaggio Aerospace, marking a significant step in Baykar’s expansion into manned aviation in Europe.
Additionally, Baykar launched its first satellite into space through the Fergani initiative and plans to send a second satellite and an Orbital Transfer Vehicle this year.
“The serial production of Kizilelma will continue, and it will soon enter service. Bayraktar TB3 will begin its operational deployment, both on land and at sea,” Bayraktar concluded.
