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Ukraine Aims for Production of 120 Baykar Drones per Year by 2025.
Turkish aerospace manufacturer Baykar, known for its combat drones, is set to complete construction of a production plant in Ukraine by August 2025. This project, part of a $100 million investment divided across three initiatives in Ukraine, has advanced rapidly, with Baykar CEO Haluk Bayraktar confirming that construction is already 80% complete, despite challenges posed by the ongoing war in Ukraine.
In March 2019, Ukraine’s military received Bayraktar TB2 drones along with over 420 additional pieces of equipment (Picture source: Ukrainian MoD)
Announced in February 2024, the drone production facility in the Kyiv region marks a significant milestone for Ukraine’s defense industry. Baykar aims for this facility to become a major production hub in Europe, with an estimated output capacity of up to 120 drones per year. To achieve this, Baykar plans to install the necessary equipment and establish an operational structure in the coming months once the physical construction concludes. Haluk Bayraktar noted that the new plant could create around 500 jobs, presenting substantial employment opportunities in the region.
When asked about the risks of pursuing this venture amid a large-scale conflict, Bayraktar expressed confidence that the project is progressing without interruption and that no obstacles would derail its completion. This determination underscores Baykar’s commitment to advancing its strategic partnership with Ukraine in defense and security.
The specific drone model to be produced in Ukraine has yet to be confirmed, but two options are under consideration: the Bayraktar TB2, a combat drone already tested in multiple operations, or the newer Bayraktar TB3. The TB3 offers several notable improvements over the TB2, including larger dimensions and folding wings, making it suitable for deployment on aircraft carriers or universal landing vessels.
The Bayraktar TB3 is equipped with advanced features that place it among the top-performing drones in its category. It can carry a payload of up to 280 kg and has a maximum takeoff weight of 1,450 kg, significantly higher than its predecessor. It is also designed for flights of over 50 hours with a top speed of 300 km/h, providing extended endurance and deployment capabilities. With six weapon hardpoints, the TB3 can carry a variety of modern precision weapons, enhancing its operational potential in combat scenarios.
Ukraine currently operates Baykar drones, primarily Bayraktar TB2s, which have been in use since the conflict with Russia began. Although the exact number of Bayraktar drones in Ukraine's possession is not officially confirmed, it is estimated that Ukraine initially received several dozen TB2s, with multiple units supplied by Turkey through bilateral defense agreements.
Despite their early success, the effectiveness of Bayraktar TB2 drones in Ukraine is increasingly limited by Russian air defenses. Designed to operate at medium altitude and moderate speed, TB2 drones are vulnerable to advanced Russian air defense systems like the Pantsir-S1, Tor-M2, and Buk-M2. These systems, combined with Russia’s electronic warfare capabilities, allow for drone interception or signal disruption, significantly reducing their operational lifespan and effectiveness. As a result, the TB2s are now primarily deployed in calculated-risk missions, such as long-range reconnaissance, while their offensive role has shifted toward more discreet reconnaissance drones and long-range attack systems less susceptible to enemy countermeasures.