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Türkiye controls 65% of global drone export market: Baykar Chairman

Türkiye’s largest warship, the amphibious assault ship TCG Anadolu, sails through the Istanbul Strait and heads toward the Black Sea on August 24, 2025, in Istanbul, Türkiye. (AA Photo)
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Türkiye’s largest warship, the amphibious assault ship TCG Anadolu, sails through the Istanbul Strait and heads toward the Black Sea on August 24, 2025, in Istanbul, Türkiye. (AA Photo)
August 25, 2025 10:55 AM GMT+03:00

Türkiye now controls 65% of the global unmanned aerial vehicle export market, with Baykar alone accounting for 60%, company Chairman Selcuk Bayraktar announced Sunday aboard the TCG Anadolu during naval celebrations marking Victory Day.

Speaking to reporters during the "Victory Journey" event in the Istanbul Strait, Bayraktar said his company exports drones to 37 countries and generates 90% of its revenue from international sales.

"Our country owns 65% of the UAV export market; Baykar alone owns 60% and earns 90% of all its revenues from exports," Bayraktar said during the naval parade commemorating the 954th anniversary of the Battle of Manzikert, or Malazgirt, and Aug. 30 Victory Day.

Türkiye controls 65% of global drone export market: Baykar Chairman
Türkiye controls 65% of global drone export market: Baykar Chairman

Record-breaking drone achievements

The Bayraktar TB3 became the world's first UAV to successfully land and take off from short-runway ships, completing 170 automatic landings and takeoffs in various weather conditions, Bayraktar announced.

"There was a race in this field worldwide, and we became the first country to complete it," Bayraktar said.

"The United States and another country had claimed they would be first in this field, but Bayraktar TB3 completed this claim," he noted.

During a demonstration before official delegations from 42 countries, two TB3 drones launched consecutively with 20-second intervals, attacked targets with two munitions each, and successfully returned to land on the ship.

Meanwhile, the new generation Bayraktar TB2T-AI drone set an altitude record in its class, reaching 40,023 feet during High Altitude System Identification and Performance Testing, according to Baykar's social media account.

International interest in Turkish drones grows

Japan has shown increased interest in Turkish drone technology following recent demonstrations showcasing full capabilities, Bayraktar noted.

"Our UAVs offer the world's most advanced technology most cost-effectively," he said, citing advanced electronic systems and munitions developed by Turkish defense companies Roketsan, Aselsan and TUBITAK.

Bayraktar explained that Türkiye offers dozens of different munition options for UAVs, making them "the world's most advanced weapons," which strengthens diplomatic ties with purchasing nations.

"In a sense, our friendship relations with all these countries are greatly strengthened," he said.

"The defense industry has achieved great success in our country. The whole world appreciates this," he concluded.

August 25, 2025 10:55 AM GMT+03:00
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