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The Kuwait Armed Forces announced the arrival of its first Bayraktar TB2 unmanned aerial vehicles on Thursday, marking a significant milestone in the country's defense modernization efforts.
The launch ceremony at Salem al-Sabah Air Base was attended by Defense Minister Sheikh Abdullah Ali Abdullah al-Sabah, Air Force Commander Major General Sabah Jaber al-Ahmed al-Sabah, and other senior military officers.
The event featured three TB2s displayed in a hangar, with one drone equipped with guided bombs, according to photographs and videos released by the Kuwait Armed Forces.
Kuwait announced in June 2023 that it had placed a $367 million contract for an unspecified number of TB2s with Turkish defense firm Baykar.
The comprehensive agreement includes training, mobile ground stations, weapons, electronic warfare equipment, a simulator, spare parts, and technical support for three years.
According to contract details, the procurement includes 18 Bayraktar TB2 units, 1,800 Mini Smart Munitions, three Ground Control Stations, and simulators.
The total budget allocated $90 million for the aircraft, with approximately $280 million designated for Roketsan-manufactured MAM-L munitions.
The drone contract was struck through direct negotiations between the Turkish and Kuwaiti governments and includes weapons provisioning, electronic warfare, and mobile ground control facilities compatible with NATO standards.
In remarks shared by the General Staff of the Army, Sheikh Abdullah underscored the significance of integrating UAVs into Kuwait's defense systems.
"The launch of the Bayraktar TB2 drone reflects the wise political leadership’s commitment to the continuous development and modernization of defense systems to enhance combat readiness and ensure the highest levels of security and stability in the country," he said.
He also emphasized the UAV’s strategic role in surveillance, reconnaissance, and intelligence gathering and praised the collaboration and professionalism of the Air Force personnel involved in the project.
"Our armed forces remain the nation’s shield and a vital line of defense against any threat," he added.
Kuwait has been preparing personnel for the new technology, with the first batch of Kuwaiti TB2 operators graduating in Türkiye in July 2024, followed by a second batch in February.
Sheikh Abdullah underscored the importance of investing in national talent and training technical and operational personnel to ensure effective utilization of the advanced systems.
International demand for Baykar's TB2 drones soared after they featured prominently in conflicts in Syria, Libya, and Azerbaijan.
Interest increased further following their use by Ukraine's military against Russian forces in the ongoing conflict that began in 2022.
The Bayraktar TB2, developed by Baykar, has previously demonstrated effectiveness in Libya, Azerbaijan, and the Russia-Ukraine war that started in 2022.
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