Saudi Arabia Liked What It Saw With the Bayraktar TB2 Drones – The ωɑɾ in Ukraine hasn’t been going well for Russia, and in addition to failing to meet its key objectives, Moscow’s poor showing could impact its ability to sell its tanks and combat aircraft. Who really would be interested in a Russian-made T-90 tank these days?
The Bayraktar TB2 has been utilized by the Turkish Armed Forces and has also been exported to other countries, including Ukraine. It has garnered a reputation for its capabilities, particularly in intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance (ISR) missions, as well as its ability to carry and launch munitions.
The drone’s features include a long endurance, capable of staying airborne for several hours, and the ability to operate at medium altitudes. It is equipped with sensors, cameras, and targeting systems, allowing it to gather real-time intelligence and provide accurate targeting for strikes.
The Bayraktar TB2’s armed variant can carry various guided munitions, including laser-guided missiles, precision-guided bombs, and other air-to-ground weapons. Its payload capacity and strike capabilities have proven effective in combat situations.
Regarding the claim that it is the drone “every military wants,” it’s important to note that different countries have different defense requirements and preferences. However, the Bayraktar TB2 has gained attention due to its operational successes and relatively affordable cost compared to other UCAVs on the market. Its export to Ukraine and interest from other nations demonstrate its appeal to some military forces.
It’s worth mentioning that military technology is continuously evolving, and there are other advanced UCAVs available globally. The suitability and preference of a particular drone depend on a country’s specific operational needs, budget, and strategic considerations.
Instead, the ωɑɾ has become a proving ground for unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs), including the American Switchblade, but also the Turkish-made Bayraktar TB2. The success the UAV has seen on the battlefields against Russian tanks has garnered interest from the Saudi Arabian Military Industries (SAMI), which is looking to become the latest customer for the unmanned aerial system. The TB2 drones can loiter over tanks and artillery, and then launch missile strikes with deadly accuracy. Each can reach altitudes of 25,000 feet and fly for 27 continuous hours. Operated remotely from up to 300 km away, the Bayraktar drone is also capable of bearing four laser-guided bombs or rockets, for a total payload of some 150 kilograms.
Turkey – A Drone Powerhouse
Turkey has become a major producer and user of unmanned aerial systems, while it has also become a major seller in the process. Turkish Aerospace Industries (TAI) began developing drones in 2013 after relations between Washington and Ankara to purchase American UAVs soured.
In 2019, Turkey began selling the Bayraktar TB2 to Ukraine, which planned to equip them with the MAM-L micro-guided munitions – believed to be the round employed in recent strikes against Russian tanks. After two years of training, the UAVs became operational last year and were used in a reconnaissance mission over the Donbas region in late December. The ωεɑρσռs have a proven combat history. The Turkish drones first earned worldwide fame amid the Second Nagorno-Karabakh ധąɾ that broke out on Sept. 27, 2020, between Armenia and Azerbaijan.
CrowdSource Campaign Underway
In addition to the interest from Saudi Arabia, Ukraine could likely receive additional Bayraktar TB2 drones – by way of Lithuania. It was reported this week that Lithuanian journalist and social media personality Andrius Tapinas has launched a crowdfunding campaign to buy a Bayraktar TB2 military drone for Ukraine. “The defence ministries of Lithuania and Turkey gave the green light, the manufacturer said yes. And now one word is sounding in my head, Bayraktar,” Tapinas said in a Facebook post on Wednesday, inviting his followers to donate.
“The Ukrainian dagger in the night. The assassin of the Russian army. An unmanned tactical combat aircraft that carries laser-guided high-precision bombs and long-range air-to-ground anti-tank missiles. In Ukraine’s ωɑɾ, Bayraktars have already destroyed Russian command posts, tanks, and missile launchers,” Tapinas’ post added. The journalist had also announced that his own media company, Laisvės TV, would contribute 62,000 euros left from earlier Ukraine support campaigns.
