Bayraktar TB2 Emerges as the World’s Most Exported Drone This Year
In addition to the Bayraktar TB2, other Turkish drones such as the Akinci, also developed by Baykar, and the ANKA, produced by Turkish Aerospace Industries (TUSAS), have ranked among the top exported drones this year, according to a list compiled by Clash Report.
(DEFENCE SECURITY ASIA) – The Bayraktar TB2 drone, developed by Türkiye’s Baykar, has emerged as the world’s most exported drone this year, outperforming competitors from Israel, the United States, and other countries.
In addition to the Bayraktar TB2, other Turkish drones such as the Akinci, also developed by Baykar, and the ANKA, produced by Turkish Aerospace Industries (TUSAS), have ranked among the top exported drones this year, according to a list compiled by Clash Report.
Baykar, Türkiye’s leading defense and aerospace exporter for three consecutive years, achieved a milestone in 2023 by becoming one of the country’s top 10 exporters across all sectors.
This marks the first time in Turkish history that a defense and aerospace company has secured a spot among the nation’s top exporters.
Last year, Baykar recorded exports totaling $1.8 billion.
The Bayraktar TB2 is a medium-range reconnaissance and strike drone with a 12-meter wingspan.
It is equipped with advanced avionics systems and can carry up to four missiles. Known for its cost-effectiveness, the Bayraktar TB2 has been deployed in conflicts in Libya, Syria, Nagorno-Karabakh, and Ukraine.
According to Clash Report, Baykar exported 34 Bayraktar TB2 drones this year, surpassing Israeli-made drones.
Israel Aerospace Industries’ (IAI) Heron drone ranked second with approximately 14 units exported, followed by Elbit Systems’ Hermes 450 in third place with 12 units sold globally.
The Hermes 900, also by Elbit Systems, took fourth place with 11 units exported.
Elbit Systems’ drones are particularly popular in Southeast Asia, with countries like the Philippines, Singapore, and Thailand among its operators.
Baykar’s Akinci drone secured fifth place, with 10 units exported globally, followed by the U.S.-made MQ-9 Reaper from General Atomics, which ranked sixth with seven units sold.
In seventh place was the ANKA drone by TUSAS, with six units exported this year.
The ANKA has also been selected by Malaysia, which will receive its first of three drones starting next year.
These drones will operate from Labuan to monitor activities in the South China Sea.
Indonesia has also chosen the ANKA for its military, joining Malaysia as Southeast Asian operators of TUSAS-produced drones.
Chinese drones, Wing Loong-1 and Wing Loong-2, developed by Chengdu Aircraft Industry Group (CAIG), occupied the ninth and tenth spots, respectively.
According to Clash Report, six Wing Loong-1 units and five Wing Loong-2 units were exported globally this year. –DSA
