Croatia has officially integrated six Bayraktar TB2 unmanned aerial systems (UAS) into its military, enhancing the nation’s surveillance and strike capabilities. The induction ceremony took place at Colonel Marko Živković Barracks in Pleso, where attendees witnessed a flyby of one of the newly commissioned drones.
This initiative is part of a broader defense modernization strategy initiated in November 2024, which involves an investment of approximately $95 million. The objective is to replace outdated Soviet-era military systems and to align more closely with NATO standards.
The newly acquired Bayraktar TB2s will be managed by the 125th Fighter Reconnaissance Squadron of the Croatian Air Force. In addition to the drones, the agreement with Turkey’s Baykar includes essential components such as weapons, ground control stations, encrypted data terminals, training simulators, vehicles, spare parts, and two years of on-site technical assistance.
Col. Andrej Tijan, the commander of the 125th Squadron, announced that the first cohort of Croatian drone pilots trained in Turkey from April to August. Another training group is slated for next year to ensure operational readiness.
The Bayraktar TB2 has garnered a reputation for its versatility and effectiveness; it is currently in use by 37 countries, including several NATO allies. The drone has been actively deployed in various conflict zones, including Ukraine, Libya, Syria, and Nagorno-Karabakh. It’s designed for multiple roles, including reconnaissance, surveillance, electronic warfare, and precision strikes under various weather conditions.
Croatian officials mentioned that the drones could also assist in civilian operations within the country, such as border security, wildfire detection, and agricultural monitoring.
In terms of specifications, the Bayraktar TB2 spans 7 meters (23 feet) in length and has a wingspan of 12 meters (39 feet). It comes equipped with GPS systems, electro-optical and infrared cameras, a laser designator, and a robust internal combustion engine producing 100 horsepower. The drone can achieve speeds up to 120 knots (222 kilometers or 138 miles per hour), maintain flight for up to 27 hours, and has a maximum operational range of 150 kilometers (93 miles), with a service ceiling of 8,230 meters (27,000 feet), allowing for high-altitude operations in various environmental conditions.
The induction of the Bayraktar TB2 UAS marks a significant advancement in Croatia’s military capabilities, reinforcing its commitment to modernizing its defense assets and integrating more seamlessly with NATO operations.
