Turkish UAV Akinci sets global benchmark in Iranian rescue operation

Baykar Chairman Selcuk Bayraktar shared the remarkable role of the Akinci Unmanned Combat Aerial Vehicle (UCAV) in locating the wreckage of Iranian President Ebrahim Raisi’s helicopter.

“The Turkish Armed Forces (TSK) conducted an operation that made a significant global impact. Türkiye showcased its strength to the world,” Bayraktar stated.

President Raisi, accompanied by Foreign Minister Hossein Amir-Abdollahian and other officials, attended a dam inauguration ceremony near the Iran-Azerbaijan border. On their return journey, their helicopter crashed in the mountainous region of East Azerbaijan province.

Wreckage located by Akinci

In a swift and coordinated rescue operation, a Turkish Akinci drone located the wreckage of the helicopter carrying Iranian President Ebrahim Raisi and Foreign Minister Hossein Amir-Abdollahian, providing critical information to Iranian authorities.

After receiving information that the helicopter carrying Raisi and other top officials had crashed, the Turkish Foreign Ministry forwarded to the National Defense Ministry a request by Iran for a night-vision search and rescue helicopter at 8:00 p.m. on Sunday.

Türkiye deployed the Akinci UCAV for search and rescue operations.

During the reconnaissance and surveillance at the crash site, the Akinci identified the coordinates of the helicopter wreckage, and the information obtained was shared with Iranian authorities in real-time.

Iranian teams reached the site and confirmed there were no survivors.

Bayraktar details the operation

The Akinci operation garnered international attention. In a press briefing, Baykar Chairman Selcuk Bayraktar recounted the events.

“I was at work with my team when we received the news. We coordinated with our colleagues in Batman, Van, and Azerbaijan to provide technical support for the mission.  The TSK executed a rescue operation that will be remembered worldwide. Despite adverse weather conditions including snow and blizzards, we needed to reach the target area quickly, navigating a challenging terrain. Akinci accomplished this by maneuvering through valleys,” Bayraktar explained.

‘A global benchmark’

Bayraktar emphasized the significance of the mission, saying: “This operation demonstrated exceptional operational capability to the world. The highest peak in the area is 9,700 feet, and we had to navigate through valleys. Normally, manned aircraft wouldn’t undertake such a mission. We utilized Turksat satellites, and our team in Azerbaijan was also prepared. I believe this operation serves as a global benchmark.”