Latest news with #BayraktarTB2
Kuwait Times
3 days ago
- Business
- Kuwait Times
Kuwait explores use of Bayraktar TB2 drones for environmental monitoring
Newly-acquired drones to support surveillance of borders, critical infrastructure KUWAIT: Kuwait is moving to integrate its newly acquired Bayraktar TB2 drones into environmental surveillance and civilian operations, according to a statement by the General Staff of the Army following a high-level coordination meeting held Sunday. The meeting, chaired by Deputy Chief of the General Staff Lt Gen Sabah Jaber Al-Ahmad Al-Sabah, gathered senior military officials and representatives from the Ministry of Public Works, Kuwait Municipality, and the Environment Public Authority, alongside other civil and security agencies. Discussions focused on how to organize reconnaissance flights and enhance the use of drone-generated data across state institutions, 'in support of observation and follow-up efforts' and to 'enhance the state's capabilities in addressing security and environmental changes,' the statement said. The meeting also reviewed the technical systems onboard the Bayraktar drone and explored its applications in defense, environmental monitoring, and the protection of vital infrastructure and borders. Lt Gen Al-Sabah emphasized the importance of using the drone beyond military settings. 'The utilization of the Bayraktar drone's capabilities is not limited to the military side only but extends to include many civilian sectors of the state,' he said. He called for greater coordination between military and civilian entities to maximize the benefits of this advanced aerial system. He described the drone as 'a qualitative leap in capabilities for monitoring, environmental surveillance, and the protection of facilities and borders,' and underscored the responsibility to invest and deploy the system effectively. The Bayraktar TB2 is capable of flying non-stop for 24 hours, carrying up to 650 kilograms. In 2019, it completed a test flight in Kuwait that lasted 27 hours and 3 minutes, despite high temperatures, strong winds, and sandstorms. The coordination meeting follows the arrival of Kuwait's first Bayraktar drones earlier this month, after a $367 million purchase agreement was signed with Turkish defense company Baykar in January 2023. Kuwait became the 28th country to acquire the TB2, a drone that has been used in conflict zones including Ukraine, Libya, and Azerbaijan. Kuwait has also been training personnel for drone operations, with the first batch of TB2 operators graduating in Turkey in July 2024, and a second group earlier this year. While Kuwait's discussions mark an early step in integrating drones into environmental oversight, drones have increasingly been used for that purpose in recent years. In Pakistan's Punjab province, officials launched a drone-linked environmental monitoring system in September 2024 to track factory emissions and enforce environmental laws. In the Arctic, high-speed drones were tested earlier this year to assess the rate of glacier retreat in Greenland. Research also points to the use of drones at landfills to detect methane emissions with high spatial and temporal precision, offering a low-cost alternative to traditional monitoring methods. — Agencies
Arab News
17-07-2025
- Business
- Arab News
Kuwait incorporates Bayraktar TB2 combat drone into armed forces
LONDON: Kuwaiti armed forces incorporated the Turkish-made Bayraktar TB2 drone into their air combat fleet during a ceremony at Salem Al-Sabah Air Base on Thursday. Minister of Defense Sheikh Abdullah Al-Ali Al-Sabah was joined by Major General Sabah Jaber Al-Ahmad Al-Sabah, deputy chief of staff of the Kuwaiti Army, Brig. Gen. Mohammad Al-Hamdan, the Air Force commander, as well as the commander of the Salem Al-Sabah Air Base and several air force officers. In 2023, Kuwait signed a $367-million contract with Turkish defense firm Baykar to purchase its TB2 drones, which have been used in conflicts in Ukraine, Syria, Libya and Azerbaijan. Sheikh Abdullah said that integrating drones aligned with Kuwait's leadership vision to enhance military readiness and adopt cutting-edge defense technologies, according to the Kuwait News Agency. The ceremony featured a comprehensive technical presentation showcasing TB2 drone's surveillance, reconnaissance and air-support capabilities. In February, pilots and shooters from the Kuwaiti air force trained and tested the Bayraktar TB2 at the Baykar company training center in the Kisah region of Turkiye. The defense minister emphasized the need to invest in local expertise and train personnel to operate advanced systems for protecting Kuwait's airspace, borders and resources. The incorporation of TB2 marked a significant step in Kuwait's defense modernization efforts, he added.
Arab Times
17-07-2025
- Politics
- Arab Times
Kuwait Army adds Bayraktar TB2 drone to arsenal
KUWAIT CITY, July 17: Defense Minister Sheikh Abdullah Ali Abdullah Al-Sabah said Thursday that the launching of Bayraktar TB2 drone is a manifestation of the commitment of the wise political leadership to support plans for the continuous development and modernization of defense systems, to raise combat readiness and achieve the highest level of security and stability in the country. The General Staff of Kuwaiti Army made the statement during the Bayraktar TB2 drone launching ceremony at Salem Al-Sabah Air Base, under his sponsorship and in his presence. Deputy Chief of Staff of the Army Major General Pilot Sabah Jaber Al- Ahmad Al-Sabah, Air Force Commander Brigadier General Pilot Mohammad Al-Hamdan, Salem Al-Sabah Air Base Commander Brigadier General Pilot Mohammad Al-Rasheed and several Air Force officers warmly welcomed the minister. Defense Minister also pointed out that the launching of drones into service is a qualitative leap in developing the capabilities of the Army; particularly in the areas of surveillance, reconnaissance and information gathering. He stressed the importance of investing in training national technical and operational personnel to ensure maximum benefit from the modern systems. He affirmed that the Army is the nation's impregnable shield and safety valve in facing various challenges. He asserted this step is in line with the commitment of the ministry to use the latest global innovations and technologies to improve the defense systems, and provide modern capabilities that contribute to protecting national borders and airspace. He expressed his pride in the national competencies that worked on the project and contributed to bringing the drone into service, praising the cooperation and sense of responsibility demonstrated by the Army and the Air Force. The inauguration ceremony began with a technical briefing on the operational and technical capabilities of Bayraktar TB2 drone; including its accurate surveillance and reconnaissance capacities, and its ability to carry out air support missions and tactical operations. After the ceremony, a live demonstration of the Bayraktar TB2 drone was presented, showcasing its technical and combat abilities; followed by the minister's tour of the facilities, during which he assessed the level of readiness of the drone and operating amenities. He also met with a number of officers and technicians supervising the project. (KUNA)
India.com
17-07-2025
- Business
- India.com
Why is Pakistan angry with Turkey president Erdogan? Cancels Rs 77355450000 drone deal with Ankara due to..., now demanding...
Why is Pakistan angry with Turkey president Erdogan? Cancels Rs 77355450000 drone deal with Ankara due to..., now demanding... Many countries see Pakistan as a nation that cannot be fully trusted and now, even Turkey, once a strong friend, has faced the same bitter truth. Turkey had always supported Pakistan, especially during difficult times but despite this friendship, Pakistan has backed out of a massive drone deal worth USD 900 million (about Rs. 7,735 crore). This was a big defence agreement where Pakistan agreed to buy high-tech drones from Turkey. Turkey even sent 100 to 200 drones to Pakistan as part of the deal. But after the drones were tested, things didn't go as expected and that's where the trouble began. Turkish drones failed against India When Pakistan tried using Turkey's Asisguard Songar drones during tensions with India (during Operation Sindoor), they were easily destroyed. India's defence systems quickly shot them down. Some drones crashed in open fields, while others were blown up in the sky. This made it clear that Turkey's drones were not effective against India. Pakistan walks away from the deal After this embarrassment, Pakistan decided not to accept the remaining drones or continue with the deal. Despite already getting support from Turkey, Pakistan refused to pay and rejected the drones, calling them low-quality. This incident has now become another example of why many countries don't trust Pakistan as it accepts help when in trouble, but turns its back when things go wrong. Even Turkey's President Erdogan, who tried to act as a big supporter of Pakistan, was left shocked by this betrayal. Why Pakistan no longer trusts Turkey? Pakistan has lost trust in Turkey, and here's the latest proof. A big batch of drones that Pakistan had ordered is now ready and waiting in Turkey, but Pakistan refuses to accept them. This has upset Turkey's Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan and Defence Minister Yasar Guler, who even travelled to Pakistan to fix the issue. They tried to pressure Pakistan to take the drones and stick to the USD 900 million deal, but Pakistan made its stance clear that it does not want to buy what it now calls 'low-quality equipment.' Pakistan told them, 'If you have a better deal, let us know.' Pakistan now wants Bayraktar TB2 drones What Pakistan really wants now is Turkey's advanced Bayraktar TB2 drones, which are more powerful and widely used in modern warfare. Pakistan is trying to get those instead and wants Turkey to include them under the same deal. But Turkey doesn't seem ready to do that just yet.
India.com
15-07-2025
- Business
- India.com
Operation Sindoor Aftershocks: Pakistan, Turkey Ink $900M Pact Drone Pact Targeting India
New Delhi: Inside a heavily guarded defense complex in Islamabad, two delegations met behind closed doors. Flags of Pakistan and Turkey stood side by side. No ceremony. No speeches. But the message was loud. A major defense agreement has taken shape between the two nations. One that involves cutting-edge drones, classified surveillance data and a quiet alignment of military strategies. The deal runs deep. Turkey will send Pakistan its combat-tested Bayraktar TB2 drones. Alongside them, the more powerful Akinci drones. Both built for precision, speed and destruction. The deal is worth $900 million. Over 700 explosive drones and advanced spy UAVs will move from Turkish stockpiles to Pakistani airfields. These drones carry heat-sensing payloads and silent strike technology. Turkey has also promised steady intelligence support such as real-time feeds, tracking grids and satellite links. Pakistan will return the favour. Its army will supply modern tank shells, mortar rounds and battlefield ammunition to Turkey. The paperwork remains locked away. Top officials from both sides have called the agreement 'strategic', 'confidential' and 'ongoing'. In recent weeks, Turkey's foreign and defense ministers visited Pakistan. Their meetings included Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, Field Marshal General Asim Munir and heads of Pakistan's drone programmes. Discussions revolved around strengthening ties, increasing weapons exports and syncing military planning. India's name came up more than once. Operation Sindoor, India's covert counter-terror campaign, continues to cast a long shadow across the region. Officials believe the drone deal is one of several moves aimed at countering Indian operations near the western front. Pakistan's leadership thanked Turkey directly. Both Sharif and Munir appreciated what they called 'timely support' from Ankara. Behind the formalities, the tone was clear. This partnership goes beyond trade. It moves into shared surveillance, border readiness and regional control. Turkish companies have been invited to invest in Pakistan's defense industry. Talks are already underway for drone assembly units inside Pakistani territory. Eager to cement its image as a global drone power, Turkey sees South Asia as the next frontier. It has already sold weapons to Bangladesh, Myanmar and other Indian neighbours. The supply of TB2s and Akinci drones marks a shift. These are the same UAVs that earned global attention during Russia-Ukraine battlefield operations. They have flown in Syria, Libya and Azerbaijan. Now, Pakistan will host them. The two countries have also agreed to increase intelligence sharing. No details have been made public. But sources say the exchange includes geolocation data and thermal surveillance from disputed zones. The growing alliance between Ankara and Islamabad also touches other regional hotspots, Iran, Gaza and Afghanistan. Meetings held in Islamabad reportedly included discussion of future coordination across these zones. With the ink barely dry on the deal, both governments are now working to fast-track delivery schedules. Pakistan has already allocated airbases for drone testing. Turkish teams are expected to arrive soon for on-ground integration. There were no military parades. No press briefings. But inside South Asia's defense circles, the news is loud. A new axis is taking shape and its eyes are pointed east.
