Turkish Armed Forces commemorate 50th anniversary of Cyprus Peace Operation
Turkish Armed Forces mark the 50th anniversary of the Cyprus Peace Operation with special ceremonies and demonstrations, including naval parades and UAV flights (AA Photos)
The Turkish Armed Forces has organized a series of events to commemorate the 50th anniversary of the Cyprus Peace Operation, which took place on July 20, 1974. According to sources from the National Defense Ministry, these events include official ceremonies, commemorative marches, and visits to martyrs’ memorials, honoring those who participated in the operation.
As part of the commemoration events, the TCG Anadolu ship will visit the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus (TRNC). Additionally, a naval parade featuring 50 ships will be held in honor of the 50th anniversary. The parade will also include two Bayraktar Akinci unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) and four F-16 fighter jets.
The events will feature a spectacular show by the Turkish Stars Aerobatics Team, alongside 50 cannon salutes. There will be performances by military and Ottoman military bands, concerts with renowned artists, and the Happy Peace Operation Seminar. Additionally, conferences, symposiums, article competitions, sports competitions, tree planting, and documentary and film screenings are planned. Activities with sister countries will also take place, enriching the commemorative events.
Additionally, a commemorative stamp and coin will be minted for the 50th anniversary.
Akinci in TRNC
Two Bayraktar Akinci Attack UAVs, developed nationally and indigenously by Baykar, made a historic flight to participate in the celebration program.
Departing from the Akinci Flight Training and Test Center, two Bayraktar Akinci UAVs completed a successful three-hour flight to Gecitkale Airport in TRNC. Flying at an average altitude of 29,000 feet, the UAVs covered a distance of 1022 kilometers. These national UAVs are scheduled to conduct demonstration flights during the 50th anniversary celebrations in TRNC.
Selcuk Bayraktar shared Akinci’s footage in TRNC.
Enhancing deterrence with national ammunition
The Bayraktar Akinci, holding the national aviation altitude record of 45,118 feet, traveled to Baku via three countries after taking off from Tekirdag-Corlu to participate in Teknofest Azerbaijan in 2022. For this flight, the UAV took off from Tekirdag-Corlu and flew from one end of Türkiye, Georgia, and Azerbaijan.
In addition, in 2022 and 2024, within the scope of the Efes Exercise, Akinci successfully hit targets in Izmir after taking off from Batman.
Bayraktar Akinci UAVs have significantly increased deterrence capabilities by integrating numerous national ammunition types to date.
Akinci has successfully completed 60,000 flight hours, marking a significant milestone in Turkish aviation history.
Baykar, the world’s largest exporter of armed UAVs, has fulfilled 97.5% of its signed export contracts. Baykar has signed export agreements with a total of 34 countries, including nine for Bayraktar Akinci UAVs.
