The unmanned aerial vehicle system "Bayraktar" was presented today at the Croatian air base "Pleso", HINA reported, BTA reported.
A demonstration flight of one of the six acquired aircraft was also conducted, with Croatian Defense Minister Ivan Anušić describing it as "impressive", and Army Colonel Andrija Tijan calling the event "a great day for the Croatian army".
„This is an important milestone for the Croatian army. Through the joint efforts of all types of troops, with With the support of the General Staff, the Ministry of Defense and “Baykar“ (the Turkish technology company developing unmanned aircraft systems – ed. note), we have achieved what initially seemed like a huge challenge. “Bayraktar TB2“ is now in service, which significantly improves our combat capabilities“, Tiyan said, quoted by HINA.
The decision to acquire six armed “Bayraktar“ drones from the Turkish company was taken by the Croatian government in November last year, the agency recalls.
The contract with “Baykar“ covers weapons, spare parts and tools, generators and vehicles, stationary and mobile control stations, encrypted data terminals, a command post, a training simulator and Turkish specialized support. Facilities have also been built for the new unit, as well as for the aviation and communication infrastructure.
“All trainees completed the training program with above-average results and are fully qualified to maintain, deploy and operate the system at its full capacity – from reconnaissance to combat operations. The communication system allows for operation throughout the country“, added Tiyan.“
Although it is unmanned, two people are required to operate the aircraft, Col. Tiyan emphasized.
“Unlike drones, this is a remotely piloted aircraft flying in controlled airspace, operated like any manned aircraft, with identical communication and movement procedures“, he explained.
The system can also be used for civilian tasks such as border and coastal monitoring, fire detection and searching for missing persons, with each aircraft capable of over 20 hours of flight time. Each aircraft can carry up to 150 kg payload, allowing integration with FPV drones, and is armed with laser-guided missiles and bombs with a range of up to 15 km.