Turkish firm Baykar has advanced its military technology with the testing of the next-generation Bayraktar TB2 drone, now equipped with cutting-edge artificial intelligence (AI) flight capabilities and a turbo engine. These developments are set to significantly enhance the drone’s operational efficiency, particularly at high altitudes and during complex missions that require autonomous execution.
The new turbo engine allows the Bayraktar TB2 to reach altitudes exceeding 30,000 feet (9,144 meters) in fewer than 30 minutes, a substantial increase from its former ceiling limit of 22,000 feet (6,096 meters). Additionally, the maximum speed of the drone has risen to 160 knots (186 miles/300 kilometers per hour), compared to the previous peak of 120 knots (137 miles/222 kilometers per hour). These improvements not only boost performance but also extend the craft’s mission capabilities, thanks to a higher maximum takeoff weight and enhanced payload capacity.
A notable feature of the upgraded TB2 is the integration of three advanced AI computers, which significantly enrich its autonomous operational capabilities. The AI systems allow the drone to proficiently identify and track targets, recognize various terrain types, and optimize flight routes in real time. Furthermore, these systems support fully automated takeoffs and landings, as well as an autonomous return to the base, showcasing a leap towards reduced dependency on human intervention during missions.
The Bayraktar TB2 has been actively engaged in both domestic operations within Turkey and international missions, gaining recognition and deployment across various countries. In November 2024, Croatia furthered its defense capabilities by acquiring six Bayraktar TB2 drones through a contract worth $95 million. Earlier in May of the same year, Poland completed the reception of its final batch of TB2 aircraft, finalizing a $270 million deal initially inked in 2021.
Through a public fundraising campaign, Lithuania raised 5 million euros (approximately $5.2 million) in 2022 to procure a Bayraktar TB2 for Ukrainian forces, underscoring the drone’s significance in contemporary military conflicts. Beyond Ukraine, the Bayraktar TB2 has been pivotal in various other conflict zones, including Libya, Mali, Burkina Faso, and Nagorno-Karabakh, solidifying its role as a versatile player in modern warfare.
