The Bayraktar TB2T-AI builds upon the legacy of the original Bayraktar TB2, which has been operational since 2014 and has surpassed one million flight hours. With enhanced altitude, increased speed, and AI-driven autonomous capabilities, this latest version is expected to play a critical role in modern battlefield operations.
Equipped with a turbo engine, the Bayraktar TB2T-AI can rapidly ascend to over 30,000 feet in less than 30 minutes, outperforming previous UAVs in its class. During its test flights, the aircraft reached an altitude of 30,318 feet, setting a new benchmark for indigenous UCAVs developed in Türkiye.
The increased speed is another significant improvement, with the TB2T-AI reaching 160 knots (300 km/h), compared to the original TB2’s maximum of 120 knots. The aircraft’s expanded payload capacity and higher endurance further enhance its combat effectiveness and operational range.
The Bayraktar TB2T-AI is powered by three next-generation AI computers, providing advanced autonomous flight capabilities. The AI-driven systems enable the UCAV to perform terrain-referenced visual navigation, allowing it to function efficiently even under electronic warfare conditions.
One of the standout features is its fully autonomous takeoff and landing capability, where the aircraft uses visual recognition to identify runways. Additionally, dynamic route planning allows the TB2T-AI to autonomously determine the optimal flight path in real-time, improving mission adaptability and efficiency.
The Bayraktar TB2T-AI is designed to be a game-changer on the battlefield, capable of overcoming a wide range of operational challenges. Its AI-supported systems ensure automatic return-to-base functionality in case of mid-flight emergencies, increasing resilience and operational safety.
The aircraft’s advanced situational awareness and enhanced threat detection capabilities make it a valuable asset for modern military operations. These features provide greater flexibility in conducting reconnaissance, surveillance, and precision strikes.
Since entering Türkiye’s military inventory in 2014, the Bayraktar TB2 UCAV has reached a 93% localization rate and continues to serve in a variety of global operations. In December 2024, it became the longest-flying indigenous aircraft in Turkish aviation history, exceeding one million flight hours.
Currently, the Bayraktar TB2 is used by multiple Turkish security agencies, including the Turkish Armed Forces, National Intelligence Organization (MIT), Gendarmerie General Command, Turkish National Police, and Coast Guard Command. Additionally, it has been deployed in civilian roles, such as wildfire detection and response.
The Bayraktar TB2 holds several significant records in Turkish aviation history, including a national altitude record of 27,030 feet. It also set a record for endurance by staying airborne for 27 hours and 3 minutes during a 2019 demonstration flight in Kuwait, operating in extreme heat and sandstorm conditions.
Another milestone was achieved on May 31, 2024, when the Bayraktar TB2 became the first UCAV to successfully execute an autonomous barrel roll maneuver. This evasive aerial tactic, typically performed by fighter jets, had never been demonstrated by an unmanned aerial vehicle before.
The Bayraktar TB2 UCAV has proven its effectiveness in multiple international conflicts. It played a pivotal role in the liberation of Karabakh, ending decades of occupation. Additionally, it has been deployed in Libya, Ukraine, Mali, and Burkina Faso, demonstrating its capabilities in various combat environments.
Its success has made the Bayraktar TB2 a sought-after defence solution worldwide. The UCAV has officially entered the inventories of six NATO members and four EU countries, following a deal with Croatia in November 2024. It has outperformed competitors from the United States, Europe, and China in multiple defence procurement evaluations.
The Bayraktar TB2 UCAV has also played a crucial role in humanitarian and disaster relief missions, assisting in search-and-rescue efforts, monitoring irregular migration, and responding to natural disasters like earthquakes and floods.
After the devastating 6.8-magnitude earthquake in Sivrice, Elazığ (2020) and the February 6, 2023, earthquakes in Kahramanmaraş, 42 Bayraktar TB2 UAVs were deployed for damage assessment and rescue coordination, logging over 2,400 flight hours. The aircraft also contributed to wildfire prevention, detecting over 4,000 forest fires between 2020 and 2024.
Baykar has financed all of its UAV projects independently, generating 90% of its revenue from exports. The company led Türkiye’s defence and aviation sector in exports in 2021, 2022, and 2023, accounting for a significant portion of the industry’s global market presence.
By 2024, Baykar had secured UAV export agreements with 36 countries, including 34 nations for the Bayraktar TB2 and 11 for the Bayraktar Akıncı UCAV. With its expanding global footprint, Baykar continues to lead the international UCAV export market, establishing Türkiye as a dominant force in drone technology.
