Saudi Arabia prepares to receive Türkiye's Bayraktar AKINCI drones

Turkish defence company Baykar said on Friday, September 25, that 30 personnel from the Royal Saudi Naval Forces had completed training at its facility in northwestern Türkiye as part of a cooperation agreement involving Bayraktar AKINCI unmanned combat aerial vehicles.

The group included 15 pilots and 15 trainee mechanics and electronics specialists, according to the company. They completed their training at Baykar’s Flight Training and Testing Centre in Corlu.

Baykar and Saudi Arabia’s Ministry of Defence signed an export and cooperation agreement for Bayraktar AKINCI unmanned combat aircraft in 2023.

Under the deal, Bayraktar AKINCI drones are to enter service with the Saudi armed forces. Baykar will also provide training, technical support and logistics services as part of the cooperation.

By Tamilla Hasanova