Baykar, Türkiye’s leading drone manufacturer, has introduced a revolutionary step forward in its unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) program: the Bayraktar TB2T-AI. This next-generation drone promises to reshape the landscape of modern warfare with advanced artificial intelligence (AI) systems, a turbo engine, and groundbreaking performance.
Since its introduction in 2014, the Bayraktar TB2 has earned global recognition, especially for its role in Ukraine during the early days of Russia’s invasion. The drone’s battlefield effectiveness even inspired a song in its honor. Now, the Bayraktar TB2T-AI aims to push the boundaries of drone technology further, setting new records and introducing game-changing capabilities.
Unmatched Performance and Cutting-Edge Technology
The Bayraktar TB2T-AI features a turbo engine that enhances its capabilities. During recent flight tests in Keşan, Türkiye, it broke its own altitude record, reaching an impressive 30,318 feet. It climbs to over 30,000 feet in less than 30 minutes, outperforming its competitors in endurance and high-altitude operations. With a maximum speed of 160 knots (300 km/h), the TB2T-AI can execute extended missions and carry heavier payloads.
What sets the TB2T-AI apart is its integration of next-generation AI systems. Equipped with three AI computers, the drone is fully autonomous, capable of flight without human input. This autonomy ensures the drone can operate in challenging environments, including electronic warfare scenarios, where its systems continue to function even when under attack.
The TB2T-AI uses advanced visual navigation to interpret terrain and adjust its path accordingly. This allows it to autonomously perform tasks like terrain-referenced visual cruise flights, identify and track targets, and even take off and land using visual recognition of runways. The drone can also plan its flight path dynamically, adjusting to changing operational conditions.
Enhanced Resilience in Combat Environments
In modern warfare, resilience is key, and the Bayraktar TB2T-AI excels in this regard. The drone features AI-supported emergency systems, which enable it to automatically return to base in case of a malfunction. This autonomous recovery system reduces mission risk and ensures the drone remains operational even in adverse conditions, allowing it to continue its mission or safely return home.
Building on a Proven Legacy
The Bayraktar TB2 has a distinguished history, with over one million flight hours and a 93% localization rate. The drone has proven itself on multiple fronts, from military operations to disaster response. Notably, the TB2 set a historic record in July 2019 by remaining airborne for 27 hours and three minutes in Kuwait. It also made headlines in May 2024 when it executed an autonomous barrel roll—an advanced maneuver previously seen only in manned fighter jets.
Since its deployment in 2014, the Bayraktar TB2 has been a vital asset for the Turkish Armed Forces, the National Intelligence Organisation (MIT), and other national agencies. Its versatility extends beyond military operations, with civilian applications including wildfire detection, search-and-rescue missions, and earthquake response.
In 2023, during Türkiye’s devastating earthquakes, the Bayraktar TB2 played a crucial role in disaster assessment, contributing a total of 2,417 operational hours. Additionally, the drone has been instrumental in combating environmental challenges, detecting over 4,000 wildfires between 2020 and 2024.
A New Standard for Global Drone Markets
The Bayraktar TB2 has become a leading choice for countries worldwide, with six NATO allies and four EU member states, including Croatia, incorporating it into their military inventories in 2024. The new TB2T-AI is set to surpass even this level of success, offering unmatched performance that rivals the best drones from the U.S., Europe, and China.
As the Bayraktar TB2T-AI continues its testing phase, its advanced capabilities promise to redefine the future of unmanned combat aircraft. With its record-breaking performance, autonomous capabilities, and resilient systems, the Bayraktar TB2T-AI is setting a new benchmark for battlefield drones.
The Future of UAV Technology and Warfare
With the TB2T-AI, Baykar continues to lead the charge in UAV innovation. The advancements in autonomy, resilience, and operational flexibility reflect the growing role of AI-driven, high-performance drones in modern warfare. Whether it’s achieving new altitude records, pioneering autonomous flight systems, or providing critical support during natural disasters, the Bayraktar TB2T-AI is raising the bar for unmanned combat vehicles worldwide.
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