Bayraktar TB2: A Success Story in Turkey’s Defense Industry
The Bayraktar TB2, developed by Baykar Defense and first flown in 2009, has become one of Turkey’s most significant defense achievements. It entered the Turkish Armed Forces inventory in 2014 and has played a critical role in military operations since. Its effective performance in conflict zones like Syria, Iraq, and Nagorno-Karabakh has made it a crucial component of Turkey’s military strength and has led to global demand.
How Many Bayraktar TB2s Are There in Turkey?
According to official statements from Baykar, the company produces 250-300 Bayraktar TB2s annually. Around 15 months ago, the 580th TB2 rolled off the production line. Based on this production rate, it is estimated that approximately 850-900 TB2s have been produced to date, with the number growing daily. Currently, around 300 Bayraktar TB2s are actively used in Turkey .
The Turkish Armed Forces, General Directorate of Security, and Gendarmerie General Command all actively utilize the Bayraktar TB2. It has provided crucial support in cross-border operations, especially in anti-terrorism efforts in Syria and Iraq. With the TB2’s precise intelligence and targeting capabilities, the operational effectiveness of ground forces has been enhanced, and military losses have been minimized.
One of the turning points for the Bayraktar TB2’s international recognition was during the 2020 Nagorno-Karabakh War between Azerbaijan and Armenia. Azerbaijan’s military used TB2s to destroy Armenia’s air defense systems, tanks, and other strategic assets, helping turn the tide of the war in Azerbaijan’s favor. This success sparked global interest in the TB2, with many countries seeking to add the drone to their inventories.
In 2022, following Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, the Ukrainian military began using Bayraktar TB2s to target Russian military convoys, air defense systems, and logistics lines. These drones provided Ukraine with a strategic advantage in the early stages of the conflict, helping slow Russia’s advances. To date, over 50 Bayraktar TB2s have been delivered to Ukraine.
Bayraktar TB2s have also been favored by many countries in Africa and the Middle East, including Libya, Somalia, Mali, and Niger, where they have been effectively used in civil wars and counter-terrorism operations. During the Libyan civil war, TB2s played a key role in ensuring the success of Turkey-backed forces, establishing air superiority.
With Baykar’s annual production capacity of 250-300 TB2s, production continues to increase. Baykar is also planning to establish a production facility in Ukraine as part of an agreement with the country. This facility is expected to meet Ukraine’s needs and produce drones for the European market. Additionally, Baykar is expanding its production capacity to meet growing global demand.
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