Turkish Baykar Drone Producers Target Factory Development In Ukraine Villages In Two Years

JAKARTA - Turkish defense firm Baykar plans to complete construction of its plant in Ukraine in two years, its chief executive said on Thursday, after the company became very famous for its drone success in thwarting Russian troops.

The aerial drone supplied by Baykar to Ukraine played an important role in the country's defense, to counter Russian armored and anti-aircraft systems in the first few weeks of Russia's invasion.

His Bayraktar TB2 drone became so popular in the public, that Ukrainians made songs about it. Meanwhile, some allies launched an unprecedented crowdfunded campaign, to buy the type of drone and send it to Ukraine.

As part of a deal between Turkey and Ukraine, signed before the Russian invasion on February 24, Baykar has agreed to build its second manufacturing plant in Ukraine.

Haluk Bayraktar CEO told Reuters on Thursday plans were continuing despite some obstacles created by the Russian invasion.

"Our plan is to move forward," said the chief executive on the sidelines of the SAHA defense exhibition in Istanbul.

"Currently we have an architectural design. The detailed design stage has been completed. And we will continue development in real terms in two years we want to complete it."

Ukraine stands out in the Baykar supply chain, especially with the new weight lifter Abrincian and unmanned fighter jet Kizilelma, or Golden Apple, currently under development. Both use Ukrainian engines from Motor Sich and from Ivchenko-Progress.