Türkiye develops new AI reconnaissance programme for domestic drones

Turkish aerospace company BAYKAR has developed a new "Image Processing Package" that significantly enhances efficiency in image intelligence (IMINT) through artificial intelligence (AI) support, according to a publication by SavunmaSanayiST.com on X.

The advanced system, designed for installation on the AKINCI and Bayraktar TB2 drones, allows for rapid analysis of various environments, Caliber.Az reports.

For instance, it can determine the number of vehicles in a car park within seconds.

Furthermore, by automatically comparing images of an airbase taken on different dates, it can detect numerical and typical changes in items of interest, such as air defence systems or aircraft, offering a powerful reconnaissance advantage.

"Zamanla, Topraklarınıza Hakim Olun."

— BAYKAR tarafından geliştirilen 'Görüntüleme Paketi', görüntü istihbaratı (IMINT)'nı yapay zekayla destekleyerek zamansal açıdan çarpıcı tasarruflar oluşturuyor.

— AKINCI TİHA'ya veyahut Bayraktar TB2'ye takılan bu sistem ile bir… pic.twitter.com/1xK5WXmXyt

— SavunmaSanayiST.com (@SavunmaSanayiST) October 27, 2024

Meanwhile, on October 3, Baykar commenced mass production of its unmanned fighter jet, the KIZILELMA, as confirmed by Chairman Selçuk Bayraktar. Plans are in place to manufacture over 10 units by 2026. Although nearly all components are domestically produced in Türkiye, the jet engine is supplied by Ukraine. Bayraktar indicated efforts to develop an indigenous engine in the coming years.

The KIZILELMA, a state-of-the-art unmanned combat aerial vehicle (UCAV), boasts advanced stealth capabilities, a cruising speed of Mach 0.6, and a maximum speed approaching Mach 0.9. It can carry a payload of 1.5 tons at altitudes of 35,000 feet, featuring autonomous takeoff, landing, and high manoeuvrability.

By Aghakazim Guliyev