Baykar Defence Technical Manager (CTO) Selçuk Bayraktar, who attended the Gebze Technical University (GTU) Aerospace Summit event, gave important information about Baykar Defence activities. Selçuk Bayraktar emphasized the successful missions of TB2 in Azerbaijan. Selçuk Bayraktar stated that the TB2 has been exported to 4 countries and 10 countries are in the queue, and the contracts with these countries have been completed or are about to be completed. Selçuk Bayraktar also responded to the criticism of TB2 “why is the engine not domestic”. Selçuk Bayraktar,
Bayraktar TB2 is a flying robot consisting of 40 computers. A plane designed with a record level of domestic participation. Sometimes we get questions about the engine being bought from abroad. The TB2 engine is as simple as a lawnmower.It is such a small engine that it can be compared to the engines of phones. Turkey has the ability to make much more advanced piston engines. Currently in TB3, we will use a very advanced engine developed by TEI. In the same way, we have domestic engine alternatives for TB2. Even the propeller is domestically produced. The main focus is that the software, electronics and entire design of this aircraft have belonged to us from the beginning.”
Recently, the Defence Ministers of Albania and Latvia visited the Baykar Defence. These visits increased expectations for new exports. Ministers gave positive messages regarding TB2 purchases. It was also claimed that the United Kingdom and Hungary were also interested in Bayraktar TB2.
Bayraktar TB2 exported to four countries
The first contract was signed with Qatar in 2018 for the export of Bayraktar TB2. Factory acceptance tests of 6 a Bayraktar TB2 UCAVs and 3 Ground Control Stations, which were delivered by the Qatar Armed Forces in 2019, were completed in the same year.
Later, 6 Bayraktar TB2 were exported to Ukraine. Ukraine also ordered Bayraktar TB2 for the Ukrainian Navy. The Ukrainian Navy received the first of the order Bayraktar TB2. TB2s were exported to Azerbaijan after Ukraine. During the Karabakh War, TB2s performed important duties throughout the war.
Bayraktar TB2 was finally exported to Poland. It was the first export to a NATO member country. Therefore, these exports are a very important development.
The Latvian Minister of Defence Artis Pabriks pays a visit to Baykar Defence