The Turkish Armed Forces have officially welcomed the BAHA unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) into their inventory after completing rigorous inspection and acceptance procedures. Designed as a vertical take-off and landing (VTOL) platform, the BAHA is the brainchild of Turkish defense company Havelsan, catering primarily to intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance missions.
With a focus on expanding its global presence, Turkey has already exported the BAHA to several regions, including Africa, Central Asia, and the Middle East and North Africa (MENA), during 2023 and 2024. Rear Admiral Zeki Akturk, spokesperson for the Turkish Ministry of National Defense, emphasized the significance of domestic defense capabilities, stating, “With our domestically developed defense industry products, which aim to enhance our national and international power and influence, the capabilities of the Turkish Armed Forces continue to grow day by day.”
The BAHA UAV features a lightweight design, weighing in at 26 kilograms (57 pounds), with a wingspan of 4 meters (13 feet) and a payload capacity of 2 kilograms (4.4 pounds). It can cruise at speeds of up to 80 kilometers (50 miles) an hour and ascend to altitudes of 10,000 feet (3,048 meters). This versatility allows it to communicate through a data link over a range of 50 kilometers (31 miles) and operate effectively in temperature extremes, ranging from -10 degrees Celsius (14 Fahrenheit) to 50 degrees Celsius (122 Fahrenheit).
Powering the UAV is an electric motor that grants it a flight endurance of 2 hours, along with the capability to withstand wind gusts of up to 46 kilometers (28 miles) per hour. Notably, the BAHA is engineered to function in electronic warfare environments and conduct night operations, making it a highly adaptable asset for military operations. The platform is also equipped with features for autonomous recovery, ensuring operational continuity even in the event of a loss of communication link.
Moreover, the BAHA UAV is designed for joint operations, allowing compatibility with other unmanned systems and integration with various mission-specific sensors, further solidifying its role as a crucial component in modern military engagements. The induction of the BAHA into the Turkish Armed Forces exemplifies the country’s commitment to advancing its defense capabilities through innovative technologies.
