Ukraine receiving Turkish Baykar Akinci heavy-strike drones could tilt battlefield scales

The Turkish military company Baykar Makina does not rule out the possibility of providing the Defense Forces of Ukraine with their line of Bayraktar Akinci heavy-strike drones.

This was stated by General Director Haluk Bayraktar in an interview with Radio Svoboda, according to the Bulgarian military portal. As you know, his company is actively investing in the Ukrainian state, building its combat UAV factory, and its Bayraktar TB2, for which Ukrainians even compose songs, played a significant role in the beginning of a full-scale war and is currently conducting combat work at the front.

According to the Turkish businessman, the local company Baykar is actively supplying such drones to Ukraine. The squadron is supported by a team of 50 people who work around the clock. “Our drones are actively used on the battlefield and we’re doing well trying to keep our systems technical,” Bayraktar explained.

The matter is under consideration

At the same time, regarding the UAV Akinci, he indicated that this issue is still under consideration. “The Ukrainian army is well aware of what we produce and what we invest in. So our plan is to manufacture all the systems we have here,” he added.

The general director of Baykar Makina says that today the company can fully produce not only “Bayraktary” but also Akinci in Ukraine. For this, there are relevant state authorizations in the field of defense cooperation obtained from the Turkish government.

“This demonstrates how close we are to implementation. And Ukraine is the first country to have such a permit… That’s why the issue of Akinci is being reviewed, that’s what I can say about it,” Halyuk Bayraktar concluded.

Akinci is not TB2

Note that Bayraktar Akinci is a Turkish UCAV [unmanned combat aerial vehicle], which at the same time has a Ukrainian AI-450 engine [developed by the state enterprise “Ivchenko-Progress”]. During the tests, he managed to hit a target at a distance of 140 km, after which he successfully landed at the take-off point. The drone tested an İHA-230 supersonic-guided missile for the first time.

It is known that Saudi Arabia has already ordered the most advanced Akinci UCAVs from Turkey. The agreement was reached in the spring of 2023, but the number of deliveries is kept secret.

TB2 and Akinci UCAV mission differences

The Bayraktar TB2 and Akinci are both Turkish drones, but they have several key differences. One of the main differences is their size and payload capacity. The Bayraktar TB2 is a smaller drone with a maximum takeoff weight of around 650 kilograms, while the Akinci is a larger drone with a maximum takeoff weight of around 4,500 kilograms.

Also, the Bayraktar TB2 has a maximum range of around 150 kilometers and an endurance of up to 24 hours. On the other hand, the Akinci has a significantly longer range of up to 5,500 kilometers and an endurance of up to 24 hours.

The Bayraktar TB2 is primarily used for intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance [ISR] missions, as well as for conducting precision strikes with its onboard munitions. On the other hand, the Akinci is designed to be a more versatile and advanced drone, capable of performing a wider range of missions, including electronic warfare, signals intelligence, and air-to-air combat.

TB2 and Akinci UCAV tech differences
The Bayraktar TB2 is equipped with a range of sensors, including electro-optical and infrared cameras, as well as synthetic aperture radar, which allows it to gather intelligence and conduct precision strikes.

The Akinci, on the other hand, has a more advanced sensor suite, including a larger synthetic aperture radar, electronic support measures, and electronic warfare capabilities. It also has a more powerful engine, enabling it to reach higher speeds and altitudes compared to the Bayraktar TB2.

Akinci combat experience

The Akinci UCAV made its first appearance in combat in July 2020 during the clashes between Azerbaijan and Armenia over the Nagorno-Karabakh region. The drone played a significant role in providing intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance capabilities to the Azerbaijani forces.

The success of the Akinci UCAV has been notable. Its advanced features and capabilities have proven to be effective in combat situations. The drone’s long endurance, high payload capacity, and ability to carry various types of munitions have made it a valuable asset on the battlefield. Its precision strikes and accurate targeting have contributed to the success of military operations.

In addition to its combat missions in the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict, the Akinci UCAV has also been utilized in other operations. It has been deployed in counter-terrorism efforts, border security operations, and surveillance missions. The drone’s versatility and adaptability have allowed it to be employed in various scenarios, showcasing its effectiveness in different combat environments.