Bayraktar AKINCI UAV reaches 100,000 flight hours, sets new records

The Bayraktar AKINCI UAV, developed indigenously by Baykar, has successfully completed 100,000 flight hours. As part of the AKINCI Project, led by the Presidency of Defense Industries, the Bayraktar AKINCI UAV has now surpassed another significant milestone in Turkish aviation history. The Bayraktar AKINCI, which has export agreements with 11 countries, continues to operate effectively in various parts of the world. It played a critical role in search-and-rescue operations after the crash of a helicopter carrying Iranian President Ebrahim Raisi and his delegation on May 19, 2024. Despite challenging weather conditions, including dense fog and mountainous terrain, the AKINCI UAV successfully located the wreckage by flying at low altitudes and delivering coordinates to Iranian authorities. The AKINCI UAV also made history with its maiden flight, participating in the first-ever flight with the Bayraktar KIZILELMA unmanned fighter jet on April 24, 2023, in Çorlu. The aircraft conducted joint operations during the TEKNOFEST 2023, showcasing their capabilities in public demonstrations. Furthermore, during the 2022 TEKNOFEST in Azerbaijan, the AKINCI UAV conducted coordinated flights with various aircraft, including a MIG-29 fighter jet. In addition to its military accomplishments, the AKINCI UAV set a new altitude record for Turkish aviation, reaching 45,118 feet during high-altitude, high-speed tests in June 2022. It also played a vital role in search-and-rescue efforts in the aftermath of the Kahramanmaraş earthquakes on February 6, 2023. The AKINCI UAV is equipped with locally developed munitions, including MAM-L, MAM-T, and others, and has successfully tested them for precise target engagement. It continues to enhance its operational effectiveness and deterrence capabilities through these advancements. On February 24, 2024, the Bayraktar AKINCI C variant successfully completed a test flight, marking a significant achievement in Turkish aviation. The AKINCI series, including the Bayraktar AKINCI A and B variants, have become key assets in the Turkish military and are also being deployed by allied nations such as Azerbaijan. Baykar has achieved the largest defense export deal in Türkiye's history, with the AKINCI UAV entering the Saudi Arabian military's inventory in a deal signed on July 18, 2023. Baykar continues to lead the global UAV export market, with 36 countries, including 34 with the Bayraktar TB2 UAV and 11 with the Bayraktar AKINCI, having signed export agreements. Baykar's success has been driven by its commitment to innovation and indigenous development, contributing significantly to Türkiye's defense and aerospace sectors. In 2023, Baykar achieved $1.8 billion in exports, maintaining its position as a global leader in the UAV market.