Bosnia and Herzegovina to Acquire Bayraktar TB2 Drones from Turkey

The Armed Forces of Bosnia and Herzegovina are set to acquire six Bayraktar TB2 drones from Turkish manufacturer Baykar Technologies.

This is according to a statement to local media by Bosnian Defense Minister Zukan Helez on September 11. The procurement will also include three ground control systems, with two teams from the Bosnian military already in Turkey for training. Delivery of the drones is scheduled to begin in January 2025.

Interest in the Bayraktar TB2 system was first reported in May when delegations from Bosnia and Herzegovina visited the manufacturer’s facilities in Turkey. However, details of the deal remained under wraps until now, with the exact contract value and specifications of the agreement still undisclosed. It remains unclear if any weapon systems will be included as part of the package.

The Bayraktar TB2 is a Medium Altitude Long Endurance (MALE) drone that has been in service with the Turkish Armed Forces since 2016. Measuring 6.5 meters in length with a wingspan of 12 meters, it has a maximum take-off weight of 650 kg and can be used for both reconnaissance and combat missions. The drone is capable of carrying a payload of up to 150 kg for sensors and armaments. With a maximum speed of 220 km/h and a flight time of around 27 hours, the TB2 is controlled from a ground station with a range of up to 150 km. It also features autonomous mission capabilities.

The TB2 has been a popular choice in the region, with several of Bosnia and Herzegovina’s neighbors recently opting for the system. Romania and Kosovo acquired the drone last year, while Serbia, a neighboring country with which Bosnia has experienced tensions since the Balkan conflict in the 1990s, operates the Chinese CH-92 drone, which belongs to the same class as the TB2.