Photo: Wikipedia.org.
Turkish President Tayyip Erdogan said a new long-range Bayraktar Akıncı unmanned aerial vehicle had entered service with the Turkish army. It is the first drone in the world that is able to launch a SOM missile. It is also equipped with several other types of missiles in 6 suspension points. It is able to fly 24 hours at an altitude of 12 km.
“Today we welcome the inclusion of the heavy drone Bayraktar Akinci, one of the best in the world, in the armament of our army,” Erdogan said, adding that Turkey has become the third country in the world with similar technologies.
In his speech at Tekirdag during the UAV handover, Erdogan noted that Turkish drones had changed the game on the world stage. “With the arrival of Akinci, we are getting to a new level. Now those who want to do something in our region will first look towards Turkey,” Erdogan said.