13.11.2026 17:40
Two Bayraktar TB2s and one AKINCI developed by Baykar performed takeoffs and landings on the Manisa-Balıkesir highway on November 12 during an exercise aimed at the scenario where runways are unavailable. The three platforms that took off from Keşan, Çorlu, and İzmir met at the same point. The goal is to bring this capability to all national platforms, including KIZILELMA and Bayraktar TB3.
The first application of the field work initiated by Baykar so that unmanned aerial vehicles developed nationally and originally can perform missions without interruption even in situations where runways cannot be used has been put into practice.
According to the statement made by Baykar, in the emergency response drill carried out in line with field inspections conducted at different points in Türkiye and the designated routes, national platforms used a highway as a runway.
THEY TOOK OFF FROM THREE DIFFERENT BASES AND MET ON THE SAME ROAD
Within the scope of the drill, three national aerial vehicles that took off from different bases on November 12 met at the same point.
A Bayraktar TB2 used by Baykar in its training and test activities and taking off from Keşan, an AKINCI taking off from Çorlu, and another Bayraktar TB2 in the inventory of the Turkish Land Forces Command taking off from İzmir successfully landed on and took off from the Manisa-Balıkesir highway.
With the activity carried out under the coordination of the Ministry of National Defense (MSB), the General Directorate of Highways (KGM), and Baykar, the capability of national platforms to operate without being dependent on runways was demonstrated.
KIZILELMA AND TB3 ARE NEXT
It was reported that the operational concept created within the framework of emergency response scenarios has been expanded to cover all unmanned aerial vehicles developed by Baykar.
In line with the planning made, it is aimed that all national platforms developed by the company, including Türkiye's first national unmanned combat aircraft KIZILELMA and Bayraktar TB3, which has the capability to take off and land from short-runway ships, can take off and land from suitable highway routes.
EXTENSIVE COORDINATION BETWEEN INSTITUTIONS
During the work carried out under the coordination of the MSB, KGM, and Baykar, fire brigade and ambulance teams stood ready, while all security measures were taken along the road route. Necessary safety measures were implemented on the highway line by the Manisa Governorship, the Provincial Gendarmerie Command, and the Provincial Police Directorate.
The drill was monitored on site by the force commands within the Turkish Armed Forces (TSK) and the teams of the General Directorate of Security, the General Command of Gendarmerie, and the Coast Guard Command affiliated with the Ministry of Interior.