Ukraine-Bound Bayraktar: Unveiling a new facility for drone production amid conflict
In August 2023, the Ukrainian Ministry of Defence agreed with Bayraktar to build a service center for their drones in Ukraine. It was stressed at the time that this plan should not be mistaken for another more ambitious one, which involves the new factory for drone production. Until recently, little was known about this, but the director of the Turkish company, Haluk Bayraktar, has shared that either Bayraktar TB2 or TB3 drones will be produced in Ukraine.
The Bayraktar TB2 drones have been a significant annoyance to the Russian army, primarily at the beginning of the conflict. The Ukrainians have effectively utilized them to destroy many targets, causing noteworthy financial damage to the invaders. As the conflict has progressed, the frequency of these drone attacks has decreased as they've begun to be used more for aerial surveillance.
Bayraktar TB2 or Bayraktar TB3 factory in Ukraine
The story of the Bayraktar TB2 demonstrates its expansive range of capabilities. It is a Medium-Altitude Long-Endurance (MALE) surveillance/attack unit. The entire design is approximately 6.4 meters long and 11.9 meters in wingspan. It can operate at altitudes of up to 8,000 meters and reach speeds exceeding 200 kph. Its arsenal includes laser-guided MAM-C (weighing about 6.3 kilograms) and MAM-L (weighing around 21.7 kilograms) missiles with various types of warheads, along with guided Bozok bombs weighing 15.9 kilograms and a range of about 6.4 kilometers.
Bayraktar TB3: the world's first drone of its kind
Bayraktar TB3 is the next iteration of the Bayraktar TB2. The maiden flights of this unmanned aircraft took place in October last year. Not only is it more extensive, but according to the manufacturer, it is also more lethal.
This drone of the same class is designed to perform reconnaissance, surveillance, and combat missions. However, it measures over 7.9 meters in length and a significant 14 meters in wingspan. It is equipped with a more potent engine to attain speeds of up to 299 kph. The takeoff weight of the Bayraktar TB3 is a whopping 1,450 kilograms (the Bayraktar TB2 weighs 650 kilograms), so it has a greater armament capacity.
The Bayraktar TB3 will be the world's first of its kind to be capable of taking off and landing on ships with short runways, such as the universal amphibious assault ship-aircraft carrier TCG Anadolu, which was commissioned for the Turkish army in early 2023.
Drone production in a country at war
Haluk Bayraktar also disclosed that the factory being constructed near Kyiv is expected to employ around 500 people and will be able to produce 120 drones annually.
"Bayraktar TB3 in flight"
On the topic of security issues, he assured that "the plans are fully underway and nothing can stop them".
