Saudi Arabia and Turkey Forge New Frontiers in Defense with Baykar Drone Partnership
The Turkish enterprise “Baykar” has declared the establishment of a deal for the acquisition of “Bayraktar” drones; however, this arrangement extends beyond mere procurement, encompassing other crucial elements.
Within this extensive agreement, there will be collaboration in technology exchange, and it further entails co-production of the drones, enhancing both nations’ industrial and defense capabilities.
This milestone follows the conclusion of two agreements between Saudi Arabia and “Baykar,” in the presence of Dr. Khaled Al-Biyari, Assistant Minister of Defense for Executive Affairs from the Saudi delegation, and Mr. Latifi Kholuq Bayrakdar, the CEO of “Baykar” Technology, representing Turkey.
The formalization of these agreements occurred during the visit of Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan to Saudi Arabia, where he conferred with Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman in Jeddah, with the objective of fortifying bilateral relations and strategic partnerships between the two nations.
Baykar is internationally recognized in the sector of drone engineering and manufacturing, standing as a preeminent developer and producer of drones worldwide. Exports contribute to 75% of its revenues, amounting to $1.18 billion in the previous year.
The enterprise has successfully formalized export agreements with 30 nations for its “Bayraktar TB2” combat drones and with six countries for the larger “Bayraktar Akıncı” combat drones.
This novel agreement aspires to bolster defense capabilities and elevate military industries in both Saudi Arabia and Turkey, promoting security and stability in the region while advancing military technology and defense systems.
Specifications of “Bayraktar Akıncı”
“Bayraktar Akıncı” is a domestically produced and developed unmanned aerial vehicle crafted by Baykar. It is a versatile drone boasting an extensive range and weapon-carrying capacity.
Initially unveiled in 2019, it was incorporated into the Turkish Armed Forces’ operations in 2021. It has been exported to multiple nations, including Qatar, Kuwait, and Malaysia.
Akıncı is a substantial drone, measuring 12 meters in length and featuring a wingspan of 17 meters. It operates on two turbine engines and weighs approximately 4.5 tons. It has the capability to transport up to 1.5 tons of armaments, including air-to-air missiles, air-to-ground missiles, and cruise missiles.
It boasts a range of 4,000 kilometers and can remain airborne for a maximum of 24 hours. The drone is outfitted with a comprehensive array of sensors, including an AESA radar, EO/IR cameras, satellite communication systems, advanced electronic support measures, and artificial intelligence functionalities, among others.
Akıncı is an adaptable drone, proficient in executing a variety of missions, encompassing reconnaissance, surveillance, and assault operations. It has been utilized in various conflicts, including the 2020 conflict in the Nagorno-Karabakh region.
