Bayraktar TB2: The $4.11 billion market success of a cost-effective MALE UAV
The Bayraktar TB2 is a MALE armed UAV that is estimated to be operated by more than 30 countries. (Photo: Baykar)
The success of the Bayraktar TB2 stems from it fulfilling a niche of providing reasonable capabilities at a low cost, leading to its acquisition by more than 30 countries including many in Africa; but there are reasons to be cautious about its potential future prospects.
The Bayraktar TB2 market is worth an estimated US$10.17 billion, with $4.11 billion already spent on the capability to date, leaving a potential $6.06 billion unawarded, according to research from Shephard Defence Insight.
Manufactured by Turkish defence company Baykar, the TB2 is one of the most widely used medium-altitude long-endurance (MALE) uncrewed aerial vehicles (UAVs) globally, with the total spending on the drone to date being split between the 31 countries that operate it.
Turkey unsurprisingly has the largest fleet, with the country estimated to have acquired a total of 151 aircraft since first adding them to the inventories of the Turkish Armed Forces and the
Our news & analysis is now part of Defence Insight®
A Basic-level or higher Defence Insight subscription is now required to view this content.
More from Air Warfare
-
Optimism remains for GCAP and FCAS future despite programme stumbling blocks
Both sixth-generation combat aircraft programmes are still awaiting major key decisions from respective governments with regards to funding or future direction, but industry and governmental officials remain optimistic of progress going forward.
-
SOF Week 2026: AFSOC unveils deployable Block II OA-1K Skyraider II
AFSOC has revealed a new Block II variant of the OA-1K Skyraider II featuring rapid deployment and reassembly capabilities designed to support expeditionary special operations missions.
-
British Army's Project Nyx progress reflects MoD investment in autonomous system
The UK MoD said it would narrow down the competitors from four to two later in the year, with those selected going on to develop the prototype drone that will operate as loyal wingman to the British Army’s Apache AH-64E helicopters.
-
UH-60M Black Hawk: export demand underpins $13 billion market opportunity
The UH-60M is the latest variant of the UH-60, a workhorse multirole helicopter that continues to attract further orders from across the globe. With further modernisation upgrades underway, the platform is expected to remain in operation until 2050.
