Turkey is providing the Maldives with their renowned Bayraktar TB2 combat drones amid heightened tensions between the island nation and India. As part of their agreement, Turkey will deliver a command control station and six TB2 Unmanned Combat Aerial Vehicles (UCAVs) to address the security needs of the Maldivian armed forces.
Months following the visit of Maldives President Mohamed Muizzu to Turkey in November 2023, a shipment arrives. During his trip, Muizzu engaged with President Recep Tayyip Erdoฤan and toured various Turkish defense industry establishments. This delivery of drones occurs amidst escalating tensions between the Maldives and India since Muizzu assumed office the previous year.
Traditionally aligned with India, the island nation has been shifting its focus towards China since Muizzu’s election in October, based on his pledge to abandon the nation’s pro-India inclination.
The individual has raised concerns about the Indian troops’ presence within his nation. He has urged New Delhi to pull back its approximately 80 military personnel, who are stationed there to offer technical and medical support.
The TB2 drones, manufactured by Baykar, have significantly impacted various conflicts across the globe, including those in Azerbaijan, Libya, and Ukraine. In Ukraine, these drones played a crucial role in combating Russian forces during the early stages of Moscow’s invasion.
Baykar, a key player in Turkey’s self-reliant defense industry, has significantly contributed to the nation’s rise as a major global supplier. Their products, such as the Bayraktar TB2 and Akฤฑncฤฑ UCAV, have been instrumental in Erdoฤan’s vision.
These advanced drones have found their way to 33 countries, including NATO and EU members. The TB2’s impressive capabilities, like flying over 20 hours at 27,000 feet and carrying up to 120 kg, have demonstrated its prowess in defeating advanced anti-air
In 2023, Baykar achieved a record-breaking export value of $1.76 billion, as announced on Thursday. This remarkable accomplishment constituted over 30% of the overall peak sales for Turkish defense companies, which reached approximately $5.5 billion.
