Media: One more UAV crashes in Türkiye's Balıkesir Experts mobilised for investigation

An unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) has crashed in an unoccupied area in Salur district, Manyas, Balıkesir Province.

The device was discovered by local farmers, who promptly handed it over to security forces, Caliber.Az reports via Habertürk.

Initial reports indicate that the ownership of the UAV remains undetermined. Law enforcement units secured the perimeter and conducted preliminary inspections on-site.

While the UAV’s origin, including whether it is of Russian manufacture, has yet to be confirmed, it has been transported to Ankara for comprehensive technical analysis.

An official investigation into the incident is ongoing.

Moreover, Kocaeli authorities are investigating a drone discovered in a field in the Çubuklubala neighbourhood of İzmit district on December 19. Local residents alerted officials after finding the inactive UAV, prompting gendarmerie units to secure the area.

Preliminary assessments suggest the drone may be a Russian-made Orlan-10 reconnaissance UAV. Officials are examining whether it was shot down, suffered a technical malfunction, or made an emergency landing. The device has been moved to a secure facility for detailed forensic and technical analysis, including its data storage, cameras, and communication systems.

The discovery comes days after Turkish F-16 jets shot down an unidentified drone near Çankırı on December 15 following an airspace violation. The Orlan-10 drone is widely used by the Russian military for reconnaissance and electronic warfare in conflict zones such as Ukraine and Syria.

By Aghakazim Guliyev