Bosnia and Herzegovina Orders Bayraktar TB-2 Drones from Türkiye.

Bosnia and Herzegovina has confirmed the acquisition of at least six Bayraktar TB-2 tactical drones from Türkiye, aiming to strengthen its military capabilities in a region marked by tensions. Bosnian Defense Minister Zukan Helez announced that the first units would be delivered starting in January 2025, with operators already undergoing training in Türkiye.
Follow Army Recognition on Google News at this link

The TB2 is a Medium Altitude Long Endurance (MALE) drone capable of conducting intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance (ISR) missions, as well as armed attacks (Picture source: Bayraktar)

Since the Dayton Accords were signed in 1995, the country has been divided into two autonomous entities: the Croat-Bosnian Federation and the Republika Srpska, under the supervision of a collegiate presidency rotating between representatives of the three communities (Serbs, Bosniaks, and Croats).

Despite this structure, tensions persist, fueled by external influences. Serbia exerts its influence through Republika Srpska, led by Milorad Dodik, who has expressed secessionist ambitions. Meanwhile, Croatia maintains close ties with the Croat community in Bosnia and Herzegovina. Türkiye, on the other hand, supports the Bosniak community and has been strengthening its military cooperation with Sarajevo since 2021.

Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan reiterated his country's support during a meeting with his Bosnian counterpart Denis Bećirović on September 14, stating, "We have always stood by Bosnia and Herzegovina since its declaration of independence, and we will continue to do so." He emphasized the importance of the country's territorial integrity and sovereignty.

The Bosnian Armed Forces, whose equipment is largely outdated, will benefit from these new drones to modernize their arsenal. Currently, their aerial fleet primarily consists of a few Bell UH-1, Mi-8T, and Gazelle helicopters. The Bayraktar TB-2 drones, with a wingspan of 12 meters, a length of 6.5 meters, and a take-off weight of 650 kg, can carry four guided missiles, including MAM-L and MAM-C models. They offer a 24-hour endurance with a range of about 150 km.

The Bayraktar TB2, developed and manufactured by the Turkish company Baykar, entered production in 2014 and has since been acquired by several countries, including Türkiye, Ukraine, Qatar, Libya, and Azerbaijan, with over 110 platforms currently in service in Türkiye alone. The TB2 is a Medium Altitude Long Endurance (MALE) drone capable of conducting intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance (ISR) missions, as well as armed attacks. It has a line-of-sight (LOS) communication range, an endurance of up to 27 hours, and an operational altitude of 18,000 feet, with a maximum service ceiling of 27,000 feet.

Equipped with advanced features such as fully autonomous take-off and landing, automatic flight control with a triple-redundant autopilot system, and a 150 kg payload capacity, the Bayraktar TB2 can carry four laser-guided smart munitions, including Roketsan MAM-L and MAM-C. It allows for precision strikes using an onboard laser pointer for target acquisition. The TB2 has proven its combat effectiveness in operations in Syria, Libya, and the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict, playing a crucial role in neutralizing various air defense systems, radars, and armored vehicles.

These drones gained significant attention during the conflict in Ukraine, where they were used by Ukrainian forces. Additionally, Kosovo ordered a dozen units in 2023, citing ongoing tensions with Serbia.

Meanwhile, the European Union continues to oversee the EUFOR Althea mission in Bosnia and Herzegovina to ensure compliance with the Dayton Accords and prevent any resurgence of conflict. Despite this international presence, internal tensions persist, fueled by foreign influence and the ambitions of certain factions.

The acquisition of Bayraktar TB-2 drones by Bosnia and Herzegovina reflects a desire to strengthen its defense capabilities and uphold its sovereignty in the face of regional challenges. This decision also signals a strategic rapprochement between Sarajevo and Ankara in military cooperation.