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
-
![NHI’s NH90: Europe’s multirole helicopter strives to maintain relevance (updated 2026)]()
NHI’s NH90: Europe’s multirole helicopter strives to maintain relevance (updated 2026)
Developed in response to NATO’s needs, NHIndustries’ NH90 remains a cornerstone of European and Middle Eastern fleets – with upgrades planned to extend and improve the capabilities of the versatile and capable platform.
-
![FY2027 budget request highlights shift in USAF’s future aerial refuelling priorities]()
FY2027 budget request highlights shift in USAF’s future aerial refuelling priorities
The USAF’s Next-Generation Aerial Refuelling Programme is coming under scrutiny in the wake of the Pentagon’s FY2027 budget request, signalling a change in how the force could prioritise the modernisation of its tanker fleet.
-
![Can laser-guided rockets and light aircraft help tackle the CUAS cost-curve?]()
Can laser-guided rockets and light aircraft help tackle the CUAS cost-curve?
While the move to integrate lower-cost missiles onto more combat aircraft is long overdue, there is also an opportunity for cheaper turboprop platforms to perform CUAS roles.
