A pair of Turkish-made Bayraktar TB2 drones have neutralized $26.5 million of Russian military assets in just three days, Ukrainian military official Valery Zaluzhny revealed on Saturday.
The development was announced nearly seven months after Russian President Vladimir Putin ordered Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.
According to the Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces of Ukraine, the tactical drones severely damaged eight Russian T-71 tanks and one Acacia self-propelled gun.
They also neutralized several infantry fighting vehicles and artillery systems between August 31 and September 2.
Making Name for Themselves
After being supplied to Ukraine to help combat Russian aggression, Turkey’s Bayraktar drones have made a further name for themselves internationally.
Its developer says that the apparent success of the tactical drones in Kyiv has made the “whole world” a customer of the unmanned system.
Before the arrival of Bayraktar drones, Ukraine had less than 50 military drones to survey Russian positions.
However, since the invasion began on February 24, more than 50 Bayraktar TB2 drones have been supplied, neutralizing Russian assets such as helicopters, armored fighting vehicles, naval ships, and command posts.
Forbes even called the unmanned systems the “Most Valuable Player” during the first four months of the war.
Features, Capabilities
Originally manufactured for the Turkish Armed Forces, the Bayraktar TB2 is a medium-altitude, long-range tactical unmanned aerial vehicle capable of destroying military vehicles, air defense systems, and aircraft.
It is powered by a single Rotax 912 internal combustion engine, which allows the drone to travel up to 220 kilometers (136 miles) per hour.
The unmanned system has a flight range of more than 150 kilometers (93 miles) and can fly at a maximum altitude of 27,000 feet (8 kilometers).
Additionally, the Bayraktar TB2 is fitted with high-performance cameras and laser-guided smart munitions.