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Baykar


Baykar is a privately held Turkish and firm specializing in the , , and of unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs), command-control systems, and technologies. Founded in 1984 by Özdemir Bayraktar as Baykar Makina, a CNC precision machining subcontractor for the , the company transitioned to UAV in the early , achieving Turkey's first UAV platforms through self-funded innovation. Under the leadership of Bayraktar sons Haluk (CEO) and (CTO) following Özdemir's death in , Baykar has prioritized technological sovereignty, attaining a 93% localization rate in its production processes and exporting UAV systems to over 30 countries. In 2024, the company generated $1.8 billion in revenue, predominantly from exports, securing its position among Turkey's top 10 exporters across all sectors. Baykar's flagship products include the , a medium-altitude long-endurance tactical UAV designed for , , , and precision strikes with a capacity exceeding 150 kg and endurance of up to 27 hours; the Bayraktar Akıncı, a high-altitude long-endurance with twin engines, capable of carrying munitions over 1,350 kg and integrating communications for beyond-line-of-sight operations; and the , an unmanned fighter jet prototype emphasizing stealth and autonomous capabilities. These systems underscore Baykar's focus on scalable, cost-effective aerial platforms that enable real-time data processing and integration with national defense architectures, contributing to operational successes in diverse terrains without reliance on foreign components.

Founding and Early History

Establishment and Initial Focus

Baykar Makina was established in 1984 by Özdemir Bayraktar in , , operating initially as a CNC precision machining subcontractor focused on supplying components to the . The company's founding aligned with national objectives to localize production in 's then-import-dependent automotive sector, emphasizing domestic manufacturing to reduce reliance on foreign suppliers. Bayraktar, an with prior experience in mechanical systems, aimed to contribute to these efforts by developing capabilities in high-precision fabrication. Early activities centered on subcontracting for production tooling and automotive parts, including engines, pumps, and other mechanical components essential for vehicle assembly. This work involved advanced CNC machining techniques to meet the tolerances required by Turkish automakers, gradually building in-house expertise in materials processing and fundamentals. By prioritizing self-reliant production methods, Baykar Makina supported broader industrial goals of technological sovereignty, avoiding over-dependence on imported machinery or expertise during a period of economic in Turkey's landscape. The firm's foundational model emphasized efficiency in small-batch precision work, serving as a supplier to larger entities in the automotive and honing skills in and custom tooling that would underpin future expansions. This phase established Baykar as a reliable partner in Turkey's push for industrial autonomy, with operations rooted in Istanbul's emerging hubs.

Transition to Defense Technologies

Baykar initiated on (UAV) systems in 2000, transitioning from its established focus on automotive machining parts to technologies. This shift was motivated by Turkey's pursuit of self-sufficiency, aiming to mitigate reliance on imported systems amid persistent security threats, including counter-terrorism operations against the PKK. The move aligned with national efforts to build indigenous capabilities in , leveraging domestic engineering to address gaps in and technologies. The transition was primarily self-funded by the Bayraktar family, drawing on revenues from prior machining operations, and supported by internal engineering talent without substantial foreign partnerships or government contracts at the outset. Özdemir Bayraktar, the company founder, directed this pivot, collaborating with his son , whose academic work on UAVs at informed early designs. This family-driven approach enabled and testing, emphasizing original indigenous solutions over licensed technologies. Initial UAV efforts in the early 2000s centered on mini-scale systems, with design activities for the commencing in 2004 and prototype flights following shortly thereafter. By 2005, an initial A prototype had undergone successful autonomous flight demonstrations, paving the way for production and integration into Turkish military operations by 2007. These steps represented Baykar's entry into tactical , fostering iterative advancements through hands-on field exercises in southeastern .

Leadership and Organizational Structure

Özdemir Bayraktar

Özdemir Bayraktar (1949–2021) was a Turkish mechanical engineer and industrialist who established Baykar Makina in 1984 as a subcontractor specializing in CNC precision machining for the automotive sector, aiming to support Turkey's localization of vehicle production. Born in Garipçe village in Istanbul's district to Lütfi Reis, a fisherman of origins, Bayraktar entered in 1967 and earned his degree in 1972. His early career emphasized hands-on technical expertise, fostering a company culture grounded in rigorous prototyping and from fundamental engineering principles to achieve domestic manufacturing capabilities. Bayraktar's vision centered on technological , viewing precision components as foundational to reducing reliance on foreign suppliers and building national industrial sovereignty. Under his leadership, Baykar Makina achieved early successes in high-tolerance machining for automotive parts, which honed the firm's expertise in advanced fabrication techniques essential for later transitions. He personally oversaw prototyping efforts that prioritized empirical testing and of material behaviors, instilling an engineering ethos of and meticulous validation over imported solutions. This approach cultivated Baykar's of dedication to indigenous innovation, where engineers were encouraged to derive solutions from core physical laws rather than off-the-shelf adaptations, laying the infrastructural base for the firm's evolution into complex systems development. Bayraktar remained actively involved in design origination until his death on , , embodying a commitment to values-driven perseverance that permeated the company's operational rigor.

Selçuk Bayraktar

Selçuk Bayraktar has served as Baykar's since 2007 and Chairman of the Board since 2021. An aerospace engineer educated at , he earned a in and Communication Engineering from in 2002, followed by a master's in from the in 2004 and a second master's in and from in 2006. Born on October 7, 1979, in , Bayraktar married Sümeyye Erdoğan, daughter of Turkish President , on May 14, 2016. Bayraktar leads the engineering of Baykar's indigenous systems, focusing on architecture, flight control software, and autonomous cruise algorithms that enable real-time mission adaptability and endurance exceeding 24 hours. He directed the core design of the medium-altitude long-endurance platform, prioritizing cost-effective composites, modular payloads, and simulation-driven iterative prototyping to achieve tactical and precision engagement capabilities without reliance on foreign components. Under his oversight, these innovations scaled from initial prototypes in to serial manufacturing, integrating electro-optical sensors and designation for beyond-visual-range operations. His stake of 52.5% in Baykar underpins a personal net worth of $1.2 billion, as estimated by in 2024, directly linked to the firm's advancements in scalable UAV technologies. Bayraktar continues to spearhead next-generation projects, such as the Bayraktar TB3 for carrier-based operations, applying similar principles of and to extend endurance and payload versatility.

Haluk Bayraktar

serves as Chief Executive Officer of Baykar, bringing an engineering and financial background to his role in overseeing operations, production scaling, and business expansion. He holds a degree in from and a master's in from . Bayraktar joined Baykar in 2004 as an engineering manager, progressively steering the company's shift toward high-volume manufacturing and global . In his executive capacity, Bayraktar has directed facility expansions to support increased output, including the development of Baykar's headquarters into the world's largest production site for unmanned systems, capable of mass-producing platforms like the at rates of up to 250 units annually. He has also managed growth initiatives, such as establishing capabilities in to localize production and enhance amid regional conflicts. These efforts have enabled Baykar to meet surging demand from export markets while maintaining operational agility. Bayraktar has spearheaded export strategies that propelled Baykar to $1.8 billion in overseas sales in , accounting for 90% of total revenue from contracts across 36 countries in , , and beyond, solidifying the firm's status as Turkey's premier defense exporter. He advocates —encompassing in-house , power systems, and ground control elements—as key to cost efficiencies, reduced dependency on external suppliers, and faster deployment timelines, allowing Baykar to deliver competitive pricing in the global UAV market.

Product Development and Technological Innovations

Early UAV Prototypes

Baykar commenced unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) research and development in 2000, marking the shift toward defense technologies within the company. The initial breakthrough came with the Bayraktar Mini UAV, Turkey's first domestically developed mini UAV system, incorporating indigenous electronics, software, and airframe design for short-range tactical reconnaissance. This hand-launched platform, weighing approximately 4 kilograms, provided basic intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance (ISR) capabilities through an electro-optical camera, with an endurance of about 45-50 minutes and a range of 15 kilometers. Successful autonomous flight tests in 2004 paved the way for prototype development, culminating in the system's first flight in October 2006 and entry into Turkish Armed Forces service by 2007, with over 500 units produced. Building on the Mini UAV's achievements, Baykar pursued iterative advancements in the mid-2000s, including a rotary-wing variant initiated in to enhance vertical for confined operational environments. These efforts emphasized empirical testing to improve , , and limitations inherent in early fixed-wing designs, relying on domestic and control systems to foster technological independence amid Turkey's historical experiences with international arms restrictions. By the late , Baykar developed the Bayraktar TB1 prototype under the Tactical UAV program sponsored by Turkey's Undersecretariat for Defense Industries, focusing on extended-range capabilities and addressing shortcomings in integration and flight through repeated prototypes and tests. This approach validated the feasibility of non-Western technological stacks, prioritizing local components to mitigate dependency on foreign suppliers prone to export controls. These foundational prototypes established Baykar's core competencies in UAV design, with rigorous iterations driven by operational feedback from initial Turkish evaluations, underscoring the company's commitment to self-reliant innovation over imported solutions.

Bayraktar TB2 and Medium-Altitude Systems

The is a medium-altitude long-endurance () (UCAV) developed by Baykar as its flagship tactical drone, entering service with the in 2014. It achieves a maximum endurance of 27 hours and 3 minutes, with an operational altitude reaching 25,030 feet, enabling extended intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance () missions. The platform supports a 150 kg , accommodating laser-guided munitions such as the MAM-L for precision strikes alongside electro-optical and sensors for real-time video feeds. Key design features include fully automatic navigation, route tracking, takeoff, and landing capabilities, which enhance operational reliability in diverse environments without requiring extensive runways. Its modular architecture facilitates rapid maintenance and upgrades, contributing to high mission readiness rates. The TB2's communication range extends up to 150 km, with compatibility for beyond-line-of-sight operations via links in certain configurations. Priced at approximately $2-5 million per system—far below Western counterparts like the MQ-9 at over $30 million—the TB2 offers cost-effective access to armed capabilities, driving its success as the core of Baykar's medium-altitude portfolio. By late 2024, the TB2 had surpassed 1 million flight hours across global operations, reflecting its proven durability and ease of integration into user nations' forces.

Advanced Unmanned Combat Aircraft

The Bayraktar TB3 is a carrier-capable unmanned combat aerial vehicle (UCAV) developed by Baykar for short-deck naval operations, incorporating design modifications such as a reinforced structure and adaptations for catapult-assisted takeoff barrier-arrested recovery (CATOBAR) systems on vessels like the TCG Anadolu. It achieved its maiden flight on October 28, 2023, marking a step toward integration with Turkey's amphibious assault ship fleet. The TB3 features a wingspan of 14 meters, length of 8.35 meters, maximum takeoff weight of 1,450 kg, payload capacity of 280 kg, endurance exceeding 21 hours, and operation up to 20,000 feet, powered by the indigenous PD-170 engine from TEI. It reached an altitude of 36,310 feet during testing on June 25, 2024. Operational milestones include the first successful takeoff and landing aboard the on November 19, 2024, and completion of 100 sorties on the vessel by June 3, 2025, demonstrating autonomous short-runway capabilities as the world's first UCAV optimized for such platforms. These tests validate its role in extending maritime strike and surveillance reach without risking manned assets. The represents Baykar's advancement into jet-powered unmanned fighters, designed as Turkey's first indigenously developed stealth-oriented combat drone for high-threat environments. It conducted its inaugural live-fire tests in early October 2025, achieving direct hits on targets using ASELSAN's TOLUN cruise munition from internal bays in one flight and TEBER-82 guided bombs in another, confirming precision strike integration. The platform emphasizes autonomous operations to mitigate pilot risks in contested , with ongoing development targeting serial production entry around 2026.

Military Applications and Operational Successes

Deployment in Asymmetric Conflicts

Baykar's unmanned combat aerial vehicles (UCAVs) have been employed by various operators in asymmetric conflicts, where forces with limited conventional airpower utilized the drones for intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance (ISR) alongside precision-guided munitions to target adversary armor, artillery, and air defenses. These deployments occurred against opponents possessing superior ground forces or integrated air defense systems, such as Soviet-era equipment in or Russian-supplied assets in and . In the Second Nagorno-Karabakh War, fought from September 27 to November 10, 2020, deployed drones shortly after acquiring them from in July 2020 to conduct (SEAD) missions and strikes on Armenian positions. The TB2 targeted and destroyed Armenian tanks, S-300 air defense systems, and units, contributing to over 500 confirmed drone-attributed equipment losses across the 44-day conflict. Turkey supplied to the UN-recognized () in Libya's civil war, with operational use beginning around May 2019 against the () led by . The drones performed and armed strikes, including the destruction of Russian-operated Pantsir-S1 systems supporting LNA advances toward in 2019-2020. During Turkey's in Syria's region from February 27 to March 5, 2020, drones conducted strikes against Syrian Arab Army forces following attacks on Turkish observation posts. The UCAVs destroyed multiple Syrian tanks and Pantsir systems, enabling Turkish-backed advances amid clashes with and Syrian airpower. Ukraine received systems prior to Russia's full-scale on February 24, 2022, deploying them for and precision strikes on armored convoys and naval assets in the war's early phases. Notable actions included the May 2, 2022, neutralization of Raptor-class patrol boats in the Black Sea and renewed strikes on air defenses in and as of September 2025, exploiting gaps created by Ukrainian long-range attacks.

Proven Effectiveness in Combat

The has achieved notable success in targeting and destroying sophisticated air defense systems, including multiple confirmed strikes on Russian-made Pantsir-S1 units, highlighting its precision in high-threat environments. analyses have documented over 800 visually verified destructions of various targets by TB2 platforms across operational theaters, underscoring a favorable engagement ratio against defended assets. With an endurance capability exceeding 27 hours, the TB2 supports extended loitering over contested zones, facilitating real-time followed by opportunistic kinetic strikes without risking manned . This persistence has proven instrumental in maintaining operational tempo, as evidenced by the platform's accumulation of over 1 million flight hours in diverse conditions. At a of $2–5 million—roughly one-fourth to one-tenth that of equivalents like the MQ-9 —the TB2 delivers asymmetric value through tolerance and high in mission outcomes. Its compact design and modest enhance survivability amid challenges, enabling continued efficacy even as adversaries adapt tactics.

Strategic Impact on User Nations

Baykar's drones have provided user nations with rapid force multipliers, enhancing military autonomy by enabling precision strikes against superior adversaries without reliance on costly manned or delayed external support. In Ukraine's defense against the 2022 , TB2 systems targeted Russian armored columns, command posts, and ammunition depots in the war's early phases, allowing Ukrainian forces to inflict disproportionate losses and maintain operational tempo amid protracted Western aid approvals. This capability reduced Ukraine's dependence on intermittent deliveries, fostering tactical independence and deterring deeper Russian incursions through demonstrated vulnerability of legacy ground forces to affordable unmanned threats. Azerbaijan's integration of in the 2020 similarly amplified deterrence and autonomy, as the drones systematically neutralized Armenian air defense systems and artillery positions, paving the way for ground advances that reclaimed territories held for decades. By exposing the obsolescence of Armenia's Soviet-era defenses to low-cost loitering munitions, the TB2 not only secured Azerbaijan's victory but also established a credible deterrent against future , shifting regional power dynamics toward unmanned precision over massed conventional assets. Turkey's "drone diplomacy" via Baykar extends these benefits through clauses in export deals, empowering clients to localize production and sustainment, as seen in agreements promoting indigenous capabilities in and beyond. Such arrangements mitigate vulnerabilities, allowing nations to adapt Baykar platforms to domestic needs and build long-term deterrence without perpetual foreign procurement. Overall, Baykar technologies validate a warfare favoring economical, attritable unmanned systems over legacy high-end platforms, democratizing for mid-tier states and compelling adversaries to invest in countermeasures, thereby elevating users' strategic posture in peer-competitive environments.

Export Performance and Global Reach

Major Export Contracts and Markets

Baykar has emerged as Turkey's premier defense exporter, with its unmanned combat aerial vehicles (UCAVs) securing contracts across multiple continents. In 2023, the company recorded $1.8 billion in exports, up from $1.2 billion in 2022, representing 90% of its total revenue and positioning it as the top exporter in the Turkish defense sector. This figure was replicated in 2024, with another $1.8 billion in overseas sales, again comprising 90% of revenues and reinforcing Baykar's dominance in the global UCAV market, where Turkey holds an estimated 65% share. Major contracts have centered on the tactical UCAV, which has been exported to at least 28 countries, often including complete systems with ground control stations, munitions, and operator training. Key buyers include , which integrated TB2 units into its arsenal prior to regional conflicts; , an early adopter with deliveries confirmed by 2021; , which signed for 24 units in 2021 as the first NATO and EU member to procure the platform; , receiving initial shipments in June 2019 followed by additional orders; and , among others such as and . Beyond the TB2, Baykar's advanced platforms have driven further deals, exemplified by a agreement with for Bayraktar Akinci UCAVs, described as the largest in Turkish defense history and involving elements to support local capabilities. These contracts frequently incorporate provisions, enabling recipient nations to develop or facilities, as seen in partnerships that export technical know-how alongside hardware. Such arrangements have fueled Baykar's expansion, with exports spanning Africa, the , , and , underscoring sustained global demand for its cost-effective, battle-tested systems.

Economic Contributions to Turkey

Baykar generated $1.8 billion in export revenues in 2024, comprising 90% of its total turnover and establishing it as Turkey's top defense exporter in the unmanned aerial vehicle sector. These figures reflect a consistent upward trajectory, with exports reaching the same level in 2023 after $1.2 billion in 2022, thereby injecting substantial into the national economy. The company employs more than 7,000 personnel, the majority of whom are engineers focused on , contributing to the expansion of a specialized high-tech in . Baykar's emphasis on domestic production, evidenced by over 93% indigenous content in systems like the , minimizes import dependencies and stimulates ancillary industries through localized supply chains for components and subsystems. Recognition of Baykar's executives, such as entering ' billionaires list in 2024 with a $1.2 billion , underscores the firm's private-sector driven advancements amid broader governmental support for defense industrialization. This model has enabled Baykar to prioritize technological excellence, with executives like Bayraktar ranking among Turkey's highest taxpayers, further bolstering public revenues.

Geopolitical Influence Through Sales

Baykar's export of unmanned aerial vehicles, particularly the , has been instrumental in 's "Bayraktar diplomacy," a strategy leveraging affordable, combat-proven to cultivate alliances and expand geopolitical leverage in regions where traditional powers face constraints. This approach has enabled to forge ties with over 30 countries, using drone sales as a tool to counterbalance rivals and promote as a reliable defense partner amid shifting global alignments. In , Baykar's sales have significantly bolstered Turkey's strategic positioning by offering alternatives to Western suppliers, often at lower costs and with fewer export restrictions, thereby enhancing Ankara's against entrenched influences like . For instance, exports to nations such as in 2021 revolutionized their military capabilities in regional disputes, while deals in sub-Saharan countries have supported efforts and deepened bilateral military cooperation. Similarly, in the , sales to allies like and outreach to others have positioned Turkey as a key player in multipolar defense dynamics, fostering dependencies that align with Ankara's broader objectives. These exports challenge Western dominance in the market by providing high-performance systems at a fraction of the price of equivalents like the U.S. MQ-9 Reaper, capturing approximately 65% of global UAV export share as of 2024. Baykar's TB2, priced around $5 million per unit, has democratized access to armed for middle-income states, promoting a multipolar environment where non-Western suppliers fill gaps left by stringent U.S. and European export controls. The proven efficacy of Baykar drones in user nations' operations has further amplified Turkey's image as an innovative defense exporter, particularly as sanctions on competitors like limit options and underscore Ankara's reliability in unrestricted markets. This reputation, built on real-world successes without the encumbrances of alliance-based restrictions, strengthens Turkey's and influence in global security architecture.

Controversies and Criticisms

Technical Reliability Concerns

Early batches of drones experienced systematic technical issues, particularly with ground data terminals that frequently malfunctioned, leading to communication disruptions between the drones and control stations. These failures, documented in a classified report from July 2016 and publicized in 2019, hampered operations by resuming shortly after temporary repairs and reducing and offensive capabilities in regions like Hakkari and provinces. In response, Turkish military assessments recommended hardware redundancies, such as installing separate ground data terminals for armed drones and relocating systems from vulnerable border areas to enhance operational . Subsequent mitigations included software enhancements to the TB2's flight control and autonomous maneuvering systems, which Baykar implemented to address communication vulnerabilities and improve overall stability. Post-2020 units benefited from these updates, demonstrating heightened operational reliability through advancements like autonomous spin recovery maneuvers tested in , which bolstered resilience in challenging flight conditions without reliance on constant ground links. User data from deployments after these upgrades indicate reduced compared to initial variants, though specific metrics remain limited in public open-source analyses.

Political Connections and Allegations of Favoritism

Selçuk Bayraktar, Baykar's chief technology officer, married Sümeyye Erdoğan, daughter of Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan, on May 14, 2016. This familial link has fueled allegations from opposition figures and media outlets that Baykar receives preferential treatment in securing Turkish government defense contracts, bypassing competitive processes or facing reduced scrutiny due to proximity to the ruling Justice and Development Party (AKP). Critics, often from left-leaning or opposition-aligned Turkish media such as Turkish Minute, point to instances like a 2025 satellite project awarded to a Baykar-linked entity without open bidding as evidence of cronyism enabled by these ties. They argue that such connections contribute to systemic favoritism in Turkey's defense procurement, where state entities under AKP influence prioritize politically aligned firms over merit or cost-efficiency, though specific audits confirming undue advantages for Baykar's core UAV programs remain limited. Defenders, including pro-government sources and Baykar executives, counter that the company's success stems from technical merit predating the 2016 marriage, with serving as CTO since 2007 and leading development of Turkey's first indigenous UAV, the , which entered service by 2007. The , a flagship model with its in 2014, secured initial domestic adoption through demonstrated performance rather than , as validated by subsequent competitive international exports to nations like ($321 million contract in 2023) and ($370 million in 2023). Baykar's legitimacy is further underscored by substantial tax contributions, with Selçuk Bayraktar paying a record 564 million in for 2022, surpassing figures like and reflecting profits from verifiable operations rather than unearned state largesse. Proponents argue that export successes and innovation metrics outweigh pedigree-based critiques, dismissing favoritism claims as politically motivated attacks from outlets biased against the , while emphasizing that Baykar's R&D investments and battlefield validations in conflicts like affirm competitive viability independent of domestic politics.

Ethical Debates on Export Destinations

Baykar's exports of drones to in 2019, supplied to the UN-recognized amid a UN , have drawn criticism for potentially exacerbating the and enabling strikes in contested areas. advocates argue that these sales contributed to destabilization and violations, with U.S. Senator Menendez describing Turkey's drone exports as "dangerous, destabilizing and a to and ." Similarly, deliveries to , formalized through a 2021 military cooperation agreement, facilitated drone use in the Tigray conflict (2020-2022), where evidence links strikes to over 300 civilian deaths, including a 2022 killing at least 58 civilians, as reported by aid workers and . UN data confirms at least 108 civilian fatalities from drone strikes in Tigray during the first two weeks of 2022 alone. U.S. lawmakers have scrutinized these , particularly due to American-sourced components in the , urging investigations into with export controls and potential risks in end-use, though no formal bans have materialized under CAATSA or other sanctions frameworks. Critics from organizations like Drone Wars highlight broader patterns in , where Turkish drone correlates with nearly 1,000 documented deaths across 50 incidents from 2021-2024, attributing risks to lax oversight in conflict zones. These concerns emphasize ethical dilemmas in arming parties accused of war crimes, potentially prolonging asymmetric conflicts through accessible precision munitions. Proponents counter that Baykar's sales represent neutral technology transfers akin to those by Western exporters, enabling legitimate without ideological preconditions, as evidenced by donations and sales to —where TB2 drones inflicted significant losses on forces during the 2022 without comparable backlash. Baykar's CEO has explicitly refused requests, underscoring selective that prioritizes defensive applications over aggression. In , the drones aided the recognized government's repulsion of Khalifa Haftar's offensive on in 2020, framing exports as stabilizing tools for weaker states against stronger adversaries. This approach democratizes access to precision strike capabilities, reducing reliance on great-power monopolies and allowing non-aligned nations to counterbalance threats, though operators bear responsibility for , which TB2's design—featuring electro-optical targeting for minimized risk—seeks to mitigate compared to . Despite incidents, defenders argue user accountability, not inherent flaws, drives ethical critiques, positioning Baykar's model as a pragmatic to embargoed high-end systems.

Recent Developments and Future Outlook

Key Milestones Post-2023

In 2023, Baykar recorded $1.8 billion in exports, securing its position among Turkey's top 10 exporters and as the leading firm in and exports. This figure represented 90% of the company's , driven by demand for unmanned aerial vehicles in international markets. Baykar replicated this export performance in 2024, again achieving $1.8 billion in overseas sales and retaining its status as Turkey's premier defense exporter amid heightened global demand for its systems. During November 2024 sea trials, the completed its inaugural takeoff and landing from the , marking a key step in carrier-based operations. By June 2025, the TB3 had amassed 100 sorties from the vessel, validating features such as autonomous visual line tracking, carrier detection, and landing precision. In early 2025, Baykar introduced the Bayraktar TB2T-AI variant, incorporating enhancements and a turbocharged engine for improved altitude and operational capabilities. The TB3 platform integrated AI-powered munitions, successfully launching the Kemankes-1 in August 2025 to extend maritime strike range. That October, the unmanned fighter jet executed its first live-fire tests, scoring direct hits on targets using Tolun cruise missiles and Teber-82 guided bombs. Baykar expanded production capacity post-2023, initiating construction of a manufacturing facility near , , in February 2024 to produce systems locally. The company also acquired Italy's in 2025, enabling European-based assembly of Akinci and TB2 drones.

Emerging Projects and R&D Directions

Baykar is developing supersonic variants of the unmanned combat aerial vehicle, including planned Kızılelma-B and Kızılelma-C configurations with twin-engine setups to enable speeds exceeding 1. These advancements build on the platform's initial capabilities, with of the baseline model commencing in 2025 using Ukrainian Ai-322F engines, while prototypes incorporate provisions for enhanced sensors and structural reinforcements for higher performance. In parallel, Baykar is integrating for greater operational autonomy in its systems, exemplified by the TB2T-AI variant of the , which features AI-assisted targeting, route optimization, and safety functions to maintain mission continuity amid disrupted communications or attempts. This includes anti- technologies in munitions like the Kemankes-1 loitering missile, which employs for precision strikes on airborne targets even in environments, as demonstrated in live-fire tests from Bayraktar Akıncı platforms in June and July 2025. To achieve and mitigate supply chain vulnerabilities, Baykar announced a $300 million investment in indigenous development in October 2024, complementing existing efforts such as the TM100 tested on in April 2025 and collaborations for VTOL-specific powerplants like the 12-hp Baykuş. These initiatives support broader R&D partnerships, including a June 2025 with Leonardo for unmanned technologies and a March 2024 agreement with Azerbaijan's for collaborative research and production.

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