First Bayraktar Drones Arrive in Romania

The first Bayraktar TB2 unmanned aircraft arrive in Romania. It is the first drone to be received by the Romanian Army following a USD 321-million contract with the Turkish military producer.

At the end of this month, it will be possible to perform the first training flights operated by Romanian pilots with Bayraktar TB2 aircraft – which will have the insignia of the Romanian Army, the tricolour cockade on the wings and registered as Romanian state aircraft, which will mark the official entry into the endowment of this type of capability.

The acquisition of Bayraktar TB2 unmanned aircraft systems (UAS) contributes to achieving the objectives of the Transformation Program of the Romanian Army until 2040. It aims to implement our country’s capability targets within the NATO defense planning process.

The equipping of these systems contributes to the realization of flexible force structures with a wide spectrum of capabilities specific to the 21st century, with means to ensure their survival in the tactical field, extended situational knowledge and increased firepower.

A Bayraktar TB2 unmanned aircraft system (UAS) standard configuration comprises six unmanned aircraft on board and related command and control equipment. Romania contracted three similar systems, meaning that the country will have 18 drones operated from three central control units at the end of the delivery phase.

Actual air-to-ground missions and firings demonstrated the strike, reconnaissance-surveillance capabilities and multiple possibilities of the Bayraktar TB2 system.

Unmanned aircraft of this type have proven their effectiveness in combat missions, the main advantages being the very high endurance in flight – up to 24 hours, depending on the load, and the possibility of surveillance of an extended area, thanks to the equipment they are equipped with. At the same time, through the actual air-to-ground missions and firings, the striking capabilities were demonstrated.

At the beginning of August 2022, the Ministry of National Defense requested Parliament’s approval for the purchase to equip the Romanian Land Forces with three Bayraktar TB2 unmanned aircraft systems (UAS), six aircraft each, for a total amount of approximately $321 million, including the support package (with related munitions, initial logistical support, and specific training and education equipment).