Bayraktar maker could help Ukraine counter Iranian drones

"Soon our Bayraktar TB2 and Akıncıs will have air-to-air missiles; not only to engage drones but other enemy aircraft... we are conducting our tests," Bayraktar said during SAHA Expo defense fair in Istanbul, Daily Sabah informs.

He also announced that a contract was signed between Turkish rocket and missile-making giant Roketsan and Baykar for the integration of the Sungur air defense missile to combat drones.

Sungur is “a proven ammunition, especially against moving targets such as helicopters and drones. Using it from our unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) as an air-to-air missile will be a game changer,” Murat Ikinci, Roketsan general manager said at the fair.

As noted, integration of such missiles to Akıncı and Bayraktar TB2 combat drones can lead to the creation of a low-cost air patrol concept in eliminating threats such as attack helicopters and enemy drones, including kamikaze drones, instead of using high-cost air-to-air missiles.

The kamikazes are slow, noisy and deployed at low altitudes, making them "easy targets," Bayraktar said.

"In any case, you need to be ready with your countermeasures... We fully support Ukraine to defend their sovereignty," he added.

Earlier, Bayraktar stated that his company planned to complete the construction of its drone production plant in Ukraine in two years.

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