Turkey dominates global drone market with 65 percent share

Turkey has emerged as a global leader in the unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) industry, with its companies, primarily Baykar, controlling a dominant market share of 65 percent. This development was announced by Selcuk Bayraktar, the chief technology officer of Baykar, during a drone industry event in Istanbul. Baykar's rise is attributed to effective collaboration with the Turkish government, which has facilitated the rapid development and production of advanced UAV technologies, including combat drones that have been extensively used in conflicts such as those in Armenia, Azerbaijan, and Ukraine. The Bayraktar TB series, especially the TB-2, has gained significant acclaim for its performance in combat scenarios, leading to increased sales and global interest in Turkish drone technology. During a time when geopolitical tensions are high, particularly in regions like Eastern Europe and South Asia, the effectiveness of Turkish drones has made them a sought-after asset for various countries looking to enhance their military capabilities. Recent customers of the TB2 drone include Pakistan and Bangladesh, which has raised concerns in India about potential security threats from having these advanced UAVs in the neighboring countries. Baykar has also been expanding its product line. The Bayraktar Akinci, a long-range UAV designed for the Turkish military, is now being marketed for export, with orders placed from several countries, including Morocco and Pakistan. As part of the ongoing development, Baykar has launched the TB-3 model, which boasts capabilities for operations from ships with short runways, further advancing its technological edge in the UAV sector. This strategic positioning not only enhances Turkey's defense capabilities but also its influence in international arms markets. Selcuk Bayraktar emphasized that Baykar's philosophy has focused on preparing for the future, suggesting that the company aims to continue innovating and advancing the use of drone technology. With this trajectory, Turkish companies are set to maintain and possibly expand their lead in the growing UAV market, despite external pressures and geopolitical challenges.