Turkish Drone Maker Baykar Plans $300M Investment in Jet Engine Development

Leading Turkish drone manufacturer Baykar is ramping up its in-house production capabilities and making a major investment in jet engine development, according to recent statements from CEO Haluk Bayraktar at the SAHA EXPO 2024 in Istanbul, reports the Daily Sabah .

Major Investment in Engine Development

The company plans to invest $300 million over the next five years to develop turboprop engines for their Akıncı drone and turbofan engines for their Kızılelma unmanned fighter jet. This move aims to reduce dependence on external suppliers, with both aircraft currently using Ukrainian-built engines.

Global Success and Market Reach

Baykar has become one of the world’s leading drone exporters, with their combat drones now operating in at least 35 Pays. Their flagship products, including the Bayraktar TB2 and heavy Akıncı drones, have gained international recognition through their combat effectiveness in Ukraine, Azerbaijan, and North Africa.

Future Production Plans

The company’s expanding footprint includes:

• A new Ukrainian factory scheduled for completion in August 2025
• Plans to maintain current TB2 and Akıncı production levels
• Focus on expanding TB3 and Kızılelma production lines
• Expected Kızılelma serial production of 10 units starting next year

“There are 13,000 piloted fighter jets in the world, and we are betting that over the next four decades all of them will be autonomous,” Bayraktar stated, highlighting the company’s vision for the future of aerial combat.

Strong Financial Performance

Baykar’s success is reflected in their financials, with revenues reaching $2 billion in 2023, up from $1.4 billion the previous year. The company now represents approximately one-third of Turkey‘s total defense and aerospace exports, with 90% of revenue coming from international markets.

DroneXL’s Take

From a drone technology perspective, Baykar’s investment in autonomous combat aircraft represents a significant shift in military aviation. Their vision of replacing traditional fighter jets with autonomous drones showcases the growing importance of unmanned systems in modern warfare. The company’s commitment to vertical integration through in-house engine development demonstrates the industry’s move toward more resilient supply chains.

What do you think about Baykar’s ambitious plans for autonomous fighter jets? Share your thoughts in the comments below.​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​