Türkiye's homegrown tactical drone marks historic milestone with 10,000 flight hours

By Goksel Yildirim

Türkiye's homegrown Bayraktar TB2 UAV, tail number S5, has made history by becoming the country's first unmanned aerial vehicle to complete its operational lifespan, reaching 10,000 flight hours, its makers Baykar announced on Wednesday.

First deployed in 2014, the Bayraktar TB2 S5 played a crucial role in numerous Turkish military operations and will now transition to training and research.

The Turkish Land Forces Command has received a new Bayraktar TB2 UAV, tail number T510, in a ceremony held at the Ozdemir Bayraktar National Technology Center in Istanbul.

The TB2 S5 has been a key asset in operations at home and abroad, completing over 750 sorties.

- On track to 1 million flight hours

Baykar’s TB2 fleet is nearing a significant milestone with close to 900,000 flight hours logged across all units by September 2024.

With a 93% domestic production rate, the Bayraktar TB2 is Türkiye’s longest-serving national aircraft. It set a record in Turkish aviation history by flying at an altitude of 27,030 feet and completing a 27-hour non-stop flight during a 2019 demonstration in Kuwait under extreme conditions.

- World-first UAV barrel roll

In May 2024, the Bayraktar TB2 set another record by performing an autonomous barrel roll, a maneuver typically reserved for fighter jets, making it the first UAV in the world to execute this evasive action.

Beyond military roles, Bayraktar TB2 UAVs have participated in international operations, including those in Libya, Ukraine, and Karabakh, and are currently used by several NATO and EU countries.

- Supporting disaster relief and environmental protection

The Bayraktar TB2 UAVs have also played a vital role in civilian operations, including search and rescue missions during Türkiye’s 2020 and 2023 earthquakes, as well as efforts to detect and prevent forest fires. Between 2020 and 2023, the UAVs identified 3,166 fires in their early stages, aiding in disaster management.

- Baykar’s rise in global exports

Baykar’s success extends beyond its UAVs' performance. The company, which derives over 90% of its revenue from exports, secured $1.8 billion in sales in 2023, making it one of the top exporters in Türkiye.

Bayraktar UAVs are now in service in 33 countries, highlighting their growing international demand.

*Writing by Gizem Nisa Cebi