Baykar Tests TB2 “Mothership” That Carries and Relays FPV Attack Drones

Turkish drone maker Baykar tested a Bayraktar TB2 configured to carry 16 Skydagger FPV attack drones, releasing two that struck ground targets during a demonstration, Defence Blog reported on November 4.

The TB2 carried eight FPV drones under each wing and also served as a communications relay between the drones and their ground operators, according to the report.

The aircraft took off from Baykar’s Keşan flight training and test center in northwestern Türkiye before releasing two Skydagger drones over a test area. Footage cited by Defence Blog showed both diving into their targets and detonating.

Baykar did not disclose what happened to the remaining 14 drones or when the test itself took place.

Baykar chief technology officer Selçuk Bayraktar shared the footage with the caption, “16 x FPV Drone Drop Test.”

FPV drones are small attack quadcopters controlled through a live camera feed and typically have limited radio range. Defence Blog cited Baykar CEO Haluk Bayraktar as saying FPV drones typically reach about 15 kilometers.

He added that using the TB2 as both a carrier and communications relay could extend their operating reach far beyond that distance, potentially opening a new approach to long-range drone warfare.

The report noted that Baykar has not released detailed data on the Skydagger drones’ endurance after launch or how many could be controlled simultaneously.

Read more

Category

War in Ukraine

Magura Sea Drones Goes From Hunter to FPV Mothership, Striking Russian Radars in Crimea

Aug 03, 2026 11:39

The concept follows the growing use of larger “mothership” drones during Russia’s war against Ukraine, where both sides have used carrier platforms to bring FPV drones closer to targets and maintain communications over longer distances.

Defence Blog reported that Baykar began developing the concept in 2024 after signing an agreement with Croatian FPV drone manufacturer ORQA to integrate small drones with the TB2.

The Bayraktar TB2 is a medium-altitude combat drone normally equipped with small laser-guided munitions. It became widely known during the early stages of Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine, when Ukrainian forces used TB2s against Russian military columns, Defence Blog wrote.

Ukraine has already experimented with similar airborne FPV carrier concepts. In May, a Ukrainian FP-½ long-range drone was spotted carrying two smaller FPV drones on its wings, with one appearing to be equipped with a Starlink terminal for extended communications.

Be part of our reporting

We report from the front lines to show the reality of war. Your support helps us stay there and tell the stories that matter.

DONATE NOW