Ukraine Attacks Russian Tanks with Turkish TB2 Drones

By Maya Carlin, Warrior Contributor, Weapons

The Turkish-made Bayraktar TB2 unmanned aerial vehicles have proven to be an effective and lethal asset to the Ukrainian army’s resistance amidst Russia’s ongoing invasion. Aiding Ukraine in its intelligence collection and attacks, the UAV truly represents the country’s defensive edge over the Russian invaders.

The TB2 also plays a massive role in another related sphere: Ukraine’s information role. Aerial videos depicting the drone targeting and taking out Russian assets have circulated all over social media, contributing to Kyiv’s propaganda efforts. While the TB2 is certainly playing an instrumental role in Ukraine’s defensive strategy, the drone’s cutting-edge technology proved its advanced capabilities before the war. The drone has carried out successful attacks in conflicts from the Caucasus to the Middle East and North Africa.

The TB2 in Use

The Turkish-based Baykar Makina company developed the TB2 drone in 2007, which made its first flight two years later. Adopted by the Turkish military in 2014, the drone easily gained prominence in counterinsurgency operations against the Kurdish Workers’ Party (PKK) and People’s Defense Units (YPG) militants in northern Iraq and Syria.

Since then, the drone has been exported to 13 countries and has seen action in various conflicts. The TB2 drones were also used in Libya and last year’s conflict in Nagorno-Karabakh between Armenia and Azerbaijan. Baku, Ankara’s ally, deployed these drones and displayed its successful attacks against Armenian assets in the capital city.

Powered by an internal combustion engine, the drone can travel with a maximum speed of over 220 kilometers. It can reach a maximum range of 300 kilometers and can carry up to 300 liters of fuel. Each drone is equipped with six aerial vehicle platforms, two remote video terminals, three ground data terminals, and ground support equipment. Its configuration enables its pilot, mission commander, and payload operator to control the drone. All of the TB2’s components, including its digital flight control system – take-off, landing, and cruise – are manufactured in Turkey.

Ukraine Uses the TB2 to Great Effect