Bayraktor Drone TB2
The TB2 is a Turkish-made unmanned combat aerial vehicle that has come to redefine modern battlefield tactics. Developed by Baykar Makina and led technically by Selçuk Bayraktar, it stands out not only for its performance but also for the political and strategic implications it carries. Almost entirely produced in Turkey, this drone reflects a national effort to gain technological independence in defense capabilities.
This medium-altitude, long-endurance UAV was built to conduct intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance missions while being capable of delivering precise air-to-ground strikes. It can reach altitudes of around 27,000 feet and maintain flight for more than 27 hours, making it a strong asset in both conventional and asymmetric warfare environments. Equipped with a payload capacity of 150 kilograms, it typically carries guided munitions such as the MAM-L, MAM-C, and other Turkish-made precision weapons. The drone operates within a 150-kilometer communication range using line-of-sight systems, with satellite communication available for extended missions.
The aircraft has proven itself in various conflict zones, including Syria, Libya, and the Nagorno-Karabakh war, where its role was pivotal in shifting battlefield dynamics. In Ukraine, it gained global recognition for its effectiveness against armored vehicles and radar systems, highlighting its versatility and reliability in hostile airspace. However, its performance can be limited in environments saturated with advanced electronic warfare and air defense systems, as it lacks the stealth and speed of heavier UAVs.
What sets this drone apart is its cost-effectiveness. Unit prices are estimated between 2 to 6 million USD, significantly lower than comparable Western drones, which can exceed 30 million per unit. This affordability, combined with demonstrated combat success, has made it attractive to a wide range of countries.
The drone has been exported to more than two dozen nations, including European, Middle Eastern, African, and Asian states. Among its buyers are NATO members, Gulf countries, and African governments seeking reliable aerial capabilities at lower costs. In many regions, especially Africa, it has been used to monitor insurgent movements, strike targets, and gather real-time intelligence in remote areas, often filling gaps left by aging air forces or limited defense budgets.
Though often seen as a technological triumph, its proliferation raises questions about the future of warfare and the accessibility of drone technology. Its presence on multiple continents signals a shift in how smaller nations approach airpower, bypassing traditional jets for lighter, unmanned alternatives that offer similar strategic advantages without the logistical complexity.
