Bayraktar Akıncı

Bayraktar Akıncı is a twin-turboprop unmanned combat aerial vehicle (UCAV) developed by Baykar of Turkey, first flown on 6 December 2019. Designed as a strategic-class platform able to carry out missions normally flown by crewed fighter jets, it has become one of the most widely exported combat drones in service, with Turkey's armed forces and more than ten other states operating or ordering it.

Overview

Baykar developed the Akıncı as a larger, heavier complement to its smaller Bayraktar TB2, intended for high-altitude, long-endurance intelligence, surveillance, target-acquisition and reconnaissance (ISTAR) work as well as air-to-ground and air-to-air strike missions. The first three production aircraft entered Turkish service on 29 August 2021. Baykar builds three main variants distinguished by engine: the Akıncı A, with two 450 hp Ivchenko-Progress AI-450T turboprops; the Akıncı B, with two 750 hp Pratt & Whitney Canada PT6A-135A turboprops, first flown in March 2022; and the Akıncı C, with two 850 hp PT6 turboprops, first flown in February 2024.

Beyond Turkey, Baykar has delivered or agreed to deliver the Akıncı to Azerbaijan, Pakistan, Burkina Faso, Ethiopia, Libya, Morocco, Saudi Arabia, Somalia, Sudan, Mali and the United Arab Emirates, with Indonesia and Kyrgyzstan reported as future customers. Within Turkey it is flown by the Land Forces, Air Force, Gendarmerie General Command and National Intelligence Organization.

Design and capabilities

The Akıncı has a 20-metre wingspan, is 12.2 metres long, and has a maximum take-off weight of 6,000 kg with a payload capacity of up to 1,500 kg. Baykar states an endurance of more than 20 hours, an operational range of 6,000 km, a cruise-to-maximum speed band of roughly 150–240 knots (about 280–445 km/h), and a service ceiling of 40,000 ft (12,192 m). The aircraft is designed for fully autonomous take-off, landing, taxi and cruise, backed by a triple-redundant flight-control system.

Standard sensors include a simultaneous electro-optical, infrared and laser-designator turret, a multi-mode national active electronically scanned array (AESA) radar with synthetic-aperture and weather modes, and signals-intelligence/electronic-warfare support systems. Across eight hardpoints the Akıncı can carry Turkish-made guided munitions including the MAM-L and MAM-C smart micro-munitions, Teber, HGK and KGK guided bombs, and the Gökdoğan and Bozdoğan air-to-air missiles, alongside stand-off weapons such as the SOM cruise missile. Communications run over line-of-sight triple-band links or beyond-line-of-sight satellite communications, and the aircraft can also carry Çakır, UMTAS and TRG-230-İHA air-to-surface munitions.

Operational history

Turkey conducted the first reported Akıncı combat mission in February 2022, and the type has since flown strike and ISTAR missions for Turkish forces. In 2023, nine Akıncıs logged more than 1,551 flight hours supporting search, rescue and damage-assessment work after the Turkey–Syria earthquakes. In May 2024, an Akıncı helped locate the crash site of the Iranian presidential helicopter that killed President Ebrahim Raisi. Export deliveries have continued through the 2020s, with Mali becoming the fourth confirmed African operator in late 2024.

Its smaller, carrier-capable sibling in the Bayraktar family is the Bayraktar TB3, and its jet-powered successor concept is the Bayraktar Kızılelma.

Frequently asked questions

How big is the Bayraktar Akıncı?

It has a 20-metre wingspan, is 12.2 metres long, and has a maximum take-off weight of 6,000 kg.

How far can it fly?

Baykar states an operational range of 6,000 km and an endurance of more than 20 hours.

What can the Akıncı carry?

Up to 1,500 kg of payload across eight hardpoints, including smart micro-munitions, guided bombs and air-to-air missiles.

Which countries operate the Akıncı?

Turkey is the primary operator; export customers reported in service or on order include Azerbaijan, Pakistan, Burkina Faso, Ethiopia, Libya, Morocco, Saudi Arabia, Somalia, Sudan, Mali and the United Arab Emirates.

How fast does it fly?

Baykar states a cruise-to-maximum speed range of roughly 150–240 knots (about 280–445 km/h).

Who makes the Bayraktar Akıncı?

Baykar of Turkey, which also builds the smaller Bayraktar TB3 and the jet-powered Bayraktar Kızılelma.