Bayraktar Akıncı Drone Takes Flight With Ukrainian Engines and Precision Munitions, Video

Turkish defense giant Baykar has released footage of its Bayraktar Akıncı strike drone undergoing tests, featuring two Ukrainian-made AI-450T turboprop engines and the latest generation of loitering smart munitions.

The video, shared by Baykar's technical director and co-owner, Selçuk Bayraktar, shows the Akıncı taxiing down the runway, taking off, and executing precision strikes remotely from a ground control station.

Powered by the Ukrainian-made AI-450T turboprop engines, the Akıncı is designed for high-altitude performance, crucial for long-range strike and reconnaissance missions. The twin engines allow the drone to operate at altitudes of over 39,000 feet (12,000 meters) for up to 24 hours.

During the tests, the Akıncı successfully deployed the latest Alpagut and Eren loitering smart munitions, known for their pinpoint accuracy against a range of targets.

Development of the Akıncı began in 2018, with the first prototype unveiled the same year. In 2019, a partnership was formed between Baykar Makina and Ukraine’s state-owned Ukrspetsexport, focusing on high-precision weapons and aerospace technology. Shortly after, Ukraine delivered two AI-450T engines for integration into the Akıncı.

The Akıncı made its public debut at Teknofest 2019, showcasing its capabilities as a heavy combat drone with a 20-meter wingspan and a payload capacity of 1,350 kg. It can carry air-to-ground missiles, precision-guided bombs, and a variety of smart munitions. Its modular design allows for future upgrades, such as advanced sensors, phased-array radar, and high-resolution optical systems.

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Baykar gained global recognition when its drones were extensively used by Kyiv in the early stages of Russia’s 2022 full-scale invasion. The drones were lauded for their effectiveness in destroying Russian tanks. However, as Russia’s air defenses and electronic warfare capabilities have strengthened, the Bayraktar drones have since transitioned to primarily reconnaissance roles, given the increased risks of offensive drone operations.

Previously, it was reported that Baykar is set to begin production of its advanced Kizilelma combat UAV at its Ukrainian facility later this year. This marks a key milestone in the defense partnership between Kyiv and Ankara, with the drone to be powered by Ukrainian-made AI-322F engines from Ivchenko-Progress, according to Defense Express on June 17.

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