Ukraine Gets 3 More Turkish Bayraktar TB2 Combat Drones

Ukraine received three more Turkish Bayraktar TB2 combat drones on Monday.

Along with the aircraft, ammunition, a simulator, camera systems and ground data terminals were delivered to the Ukrainian Air Force.

The newly delivered drones were tested at the Starokostiantyniv Air Base in western Ukraine. "During the tests, the combat capabilities of the aircraft, maximum altitude, orbital flight, landing, and main and emergency power systems were tested," Ukraine's Defense Ministry said Tuesday.

Ukraine announced the deal for the purchase of 12 drones for its army in mid-January. Turkey’s UAV manufacturer Baykar was to produce six Bayraktar TB2 and deliver them to Ukraine in a year. The value of the contract is not known.

The drones that were delivered earlier were inducted by the Ukrainian military in September 2019.

The Bayraktar Tactical Block 2 (TB2) drone was developed by Turkey's Baykar Makina for tactical reconnaissance and surveillance missions. The UAV can also carry ammo, do assaults, and has laser target acquisition. The drone has a cruising speed of 70 knots with an operational flight altitude of 24000 feet, 24 hours of flight time, a communication range of 150km all with a 12m wing span, 55 kg payload capacity and maximum take-off weight of 650kg.

The drone was used by Turkish security forces in Syrian Operations- Euphrates and Olive Branch. According to media reports, it is being used by Ankara in the ongoing Operation Peace Spring against Kurdish military in north-eastern Syria.