June 15, 2024

Romanian Land Forces begin reception of first Bayraktar TB2 system

By Defence Industry Europe

Kuwait has signed a contract worth USD 367 million with Turkish defense firm Baykar to acquire its Bayraktar TB2 drones. The agreement was reached through direct negotiations between the two governments. — Photo: SSB.

This week, the Romanian Land Forces have started the qualitative and quantitative reception procedures for their first Bayraktar TB2 unmanned aircraft system. By the end of this month or the beginning of the next, Romanian pilots will commence training flights with the new aircraft, now bearing the Romanian Armed Forces insignia and registered as state-owned.

Following the completion of the reception procedures, a media event will be organized to showcase this new addition to the Romanian Armed Forces’ capabilities.

The acquisition of the Bayraktar TB2 unmanned aircraft systems is a significant step in the Romanian Armed Forces’ Transformation Program, aligned with NATO defense planning targets. These systems are intended to enhance Romania’s military flexibility, situational awareness, and firepower.

Each Bayraktar TB2 system includes six unmanned aircraft and the necessary command and control equipment. These aircraft have demonstrated their effectiveness in air-to-ground missions and bombings, capable of flying up to 24 hours depending on their load and covering extensive surveillance areas.

The decision to purchase three Bayraktar TB2 systems, totaling approximately 321 million dollars, was approved by the Romanian Parliament in August 2022. The contract was signed in April 2023, with delivery scheduled for June 2024, September 2024, and January 2025. Romanian aeronautical personnel have already undergone training in Turkey from February to June this year, coinciding with the acceptance and testing of the equipment.