Burkina Faso unveils new Turkish Akinci drones.

Burkina Faso unveiled its new long-range combat drone, Akinci, on April 8, 2024, marking a significant development in its efforts to enhance defense capabilities against regional terrorist and insurgent groups. The two Akinci drones, presented to the military during a ceremony presided over by the head of the junta, Captain Ibrahim Traoré, are part of a larger set of Turkish armaments acquired by Burkina Faso, which also includes five Bayraktar TB2 drones and a variety of guided and unguided munitions.
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Akinci drones have been observed equipped with various munitions, including MAM-L and MAM-T missiles, as well as GPS and laser-guided bombs (Picture source: Presidency of Faso)

The introduction of Akinci drones underscores Burkina Faso's increasing reliance on Turkish military products, indicating a shift towards new defense suppliers and partners. This trend suggests a growing prominence of Africa as a potentially lucrative market for Turkish defense companies, with exports of defense and aerospace products to the continent steadily rising.

Manufactured by the Turkish defense company Baykar, the Bayraktar Akinci, or "Raider" in Turkish, is a high-altitude, long-endurance unmanned combat aerial vehicle (UCAV). With a maximum takeoff weight exceeding 5.5 tons and a payload of over 1,350 kg, the Akinci is equipped with powerful turboprop engines and an extensive array of electronic and communication systems.

The Bayraktar TB2 is a tactical combat drone manufactured by Baykar Defense. With a wingspan of 12 meters and a payload of 150 kg, it is equipped with cameras and sensors for surveillance, reconnaissance, and targeting operations. With a flight endurance of over 24 hours and the capability to carry air-to-ground missiles, the TB2 is effective for border surveillance, counterterrorism efforts, and domestic security operations.

Akinci drones have been observed equipped with various munitions, including MAM-L and MAM-T missiles, as well as GPS and laser-guided bombs. This diverse arsenal indicates Burkina Faso's intent to arm itself against a range of potential threats, including Islamist terrorist groups operating in the region.

The presentation of Akinci drones was overseen by interim Burkinabe leader Ibrahim Traoré, who came to power following a coup in 2022. Traoré, known for his outspoken opposition to French influence in the region, likely sees this partnership with Turkey as an opportunity to diversify Burkina Faso's alliances and sources of armament.

While Burkina Faso hopes that Akinci drones will provide a strategic advantage in its fight against Islamist militants, the integration of these new equipment into ongoing security operations in the region remains to be seen. The increasing presence of Turkish military products in Africa, along with the expansion of defense and aerospace exports to the continent, signifies a significant shift in geopolitical and commercial dynamics in the region.