First Bayraktar TB2 UAV Retires After a Decade of Service

The first Bayraktar TB2 UAV to enter service, tail-numbered S5, has officially been retired after a decade of active duty.

This UAV, which joined the Turkish Land Forces Command in 2014, has surpassed 10,000 flight hours.

The Bayraktar TB2 S5 was part of the initial batch of UAVs delivered to the Turkish military. It has been involved in key military engagements including Trench Operations, Euphrates Shield, Olive Branch, Peace Spring, Spring Shield, and the ongoing Claw operations. Throughout its service, the UAV completed over 750 sorties.

To mark its retirement, a ceremony was held at the Özdemir Bayraktar National Technology Center in Istanbul. Attendees included high-ranking military officials and Baykar executives.

In addition to its operational service, the Bayraktar TB2 has achieved several records, including an altitude record of 27,030 feet and a continuous flight record of 27 hours and 3 minutes. The UAV also demonstrated its capabilities by performing an autonomous barrel roll maneuver, a first for UAVs globally.

The Bayraktar TB2 UAVs have been deployed both domestically and internationally, with current use by the Turkish Armed Forces, National Intelligence Organization, Gendarmerie General Command, General Directorate of Security, Coast Guard Command, and General Directorate of Forestry for various missions including firefighting.

The Bayraktar TB2 has also been utilized in civilian missions such as disaster response and search and rescue operations.