The Bayraktar TB2 is a medium-altitude, long-endurance (MALE) unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) developed by the Turkish company Baykar. It’s become one of the most recognizable drones in modern warfare due to its affordability, effectiveness, and high-profile use in several conflicts, including in Syria, Libya, Nagorno-Karabakh, and most notably Ukraine.

Designed for both reconnaissance and combat missions, the TB2 is equipped with electro-optical and infrared cameras, laser target designators, and the ability to carry precision-guided munitions like Turkey’s own MAM-L and MAM-C smart micro bombs. It’s capable of autonomous taxiing, takeoff, landing, and cruising, which minimizes the need for direct operator control and reduces exposure to jamming or electronic warfare.

What sets the TB2 apart is its combination of low cost, solid performance, and political symbolism. It has become a tool of Turkish soft power, exported to numerous countries and often praised for its battlefield impact, particularly in asymmetric warfare where it has targeted tanks, artillery, and supply convoys with notable success.

The drone’s role in Ukraine elevated its reputation further, as it was used to strike Russian forces and equipment, sometimes becoming a symbol of resistance. Despite its relatively small payload and slower speed compared to Western systems, the TB2’s ability to loiter over targets and deliver precise strikes made it a game-changer in certain environments.