Turkish Baykar promotes drone technology strengthening Africa’s security

The company Baykar showcased its products at the first Bamako Expo Fair (BAMEX’25), held this year in Mali’s capital with the participation of exclusively Turkish companies, highlighting the growing contribution of Turkish drones to Africa’s security.

Baykar presented large-scale models of its Bayraktar TB2, Bayraktar AKINCI, Bayraktar TB3, and Bayraktar KIZILELMA drones, while also introducing their features and capabilities to international delegations, Caliber.Az reports, citing Anadolu Agency.

The fair, led by Türkiye’s Defence Industries Secretariat (SSB), brings together leading Turkish defence firms, including Aselsan, Roketsan, MKE, STM, and Sarsılmaz, showcasing the country’s expanding defence footprint in Africa.

At the opening ceremony, Malian Prime Minister Abdoulaye Maiga highlighted that Africa is facing unprecedented security and geopolitical challenges, stressing that terrorism “knows no borders” and increasingly relies on advanced technologies such as artificial intelligence and digital networks.

He underlined that ensuring security is no longer optional but a necessity, calling for autonomous and collaborative African defence structures.

Türkiye’s Ambassador to Mali, Efe Ceylan, said Ankara remains committed to supporting Mali’s fight against terrorism and deepening cooperation across defence, education, and trade. He added that

Türkiye’s participation in the event underscores its growing role as a reliable security partner for Mali and the wider region.

Baykar is best known in Africa for its Bayraktar TB2 platform, which has gained strong demand across the continent thanks to its reconnaissance, surveillance, and precision strike capabilities.

Africa has become one of Baykar’s fastest-growing markets. The company’s products are used to counter national security threats and provide a significant deterrent effect.

Among African countries operating Turkish-made Baykar drones are Mali (the host country of the exhibition), Morocco, Ethiopia, Nigeria, Libya, Burkina Faso, Togo, Niger, Djibouti, Somalia, Rwanda, Kenya, and several others.

By Jeyhun Aghazada