Unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) have become the major weapon of warfare in the Russian-Ukrainian war. A large-scale confrontation of drones has unfolded on the front line.
They are consistently used by the Ukrainian military for combat and reconnaissance, so they often get damaged or destroyed in hostilities, and soldiers need replacements.
Strike drone production in Ukraine has become crucial for supplying Ukrainian soldiers with needed capabilities, which effectively damage the enemy on the battlefield.
Not only UAVs but also land, surface, and underwater drones are being actively developed in Ukraine. By the end of the current year, Ukraine wants to increase drone production by 140 times.
Türkiye joined the drone development and production in Ukraine. Baykar, the manufacturer of Bayraktar TB2 attack drones, plans to invest $100 million in three projects, which include a factory, a service center, and a head office.
"We have three main investments in Ukraine. One of them is a plant. Then we have a service centre and a head office here…This is an investment of about US$100 million, and the process has already started. The construction has already begun. It will take about a year and a half to complete. We plan to employ at least 300 people here. Cooperation continues," Bayraktar said.
He stressed that this production will be self-sufficient, eco-friendly and mutually beneficial since Ukraine has unique technologies for producing engines and the Turkish side-drones installed on these engines.
"We also face some challenges. These are the supply chain, the search and development of human capital through the impact of war and the regulatory environment, especially the rules that will support these investments," said the head of Baykar.
