Kuwait incorporates Bayraktar TB2 combat drones into its Air Force in agreement with Türkiye.

The Kuwaiti Air Force received its first Bayraktar TB2 combat drones this month , developed by Turkish company Baykar, under a $367 million deal signed with the Turkish government in 2023.

The official handover took place at Ali Al Salem Air Base , with Defense Minister Sheikh Abdullah Al-Ali Al-Sabah and senior military officials of the country in attendance, according to The Defense Post.

The contract between the two nations includes not only the acquisition of the drones, but also the supply of essential logistics and technical support packages for their operation.

According to 'Zona Militar', with this addition, Kuwait becomes the 29th country to operate this unmanned tactical combat platform , which has already been used in scenarios such as Ukraine, Syria, Libya, and Azerbaijan.

During the ceremony, the Minister of Defense emphasized that the acquisition reflects the political leadership's commitment to the modernization of defense systems and the country's operational readiness.

According to statements reported by the official KUNA news agency, Sheikh Abdullah emphasized that the use of unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) represents a strategic step forward in the Kuwaiti Army's surveillance, reconnaissance, and intelligence capabilities.

The event included a technical session presenting the capabilities of the Bayraktar TB2, a live demonstration of its operational functions, and a tour of the system's operating centers , where the minister met with the teams responsible for its implementation.

The Bayraktar TB2 is a tactical combat drone measuring 7 meters in length and with a wingspan of 12 meters. It is equipped with GPS receivers, a laser pointer, a rangefinder, electro-optical and infrared cameras, and a 100-horsepower motor.

It can reach a maximum speed of 120 knots (222 km/h) and operate for up to 27 hours, with a range of 150 kilometers and a service ceiling of 8,230 meters.

According to the Kuwait Times, the Kuwaiti Air Force had already conducted initial tests of the system last February in the Kisah region, in preparation for its entry into service.

During his speech, Minister Abdullah Al-Ali Al-Sabah emphasized the importance of investing in the training of national technical personnel to ensure the effective use of these advanced systems.

He also praised the role of local authorities in the project's implementation , highlighting the collaborative work of the Armed Forces personnel, particularly the Air Force.

"Our armed forces remain the nation's shield and a vital line of defense against any threat," the minister said, as quoted by KUNA news agency.

*This content was written with the assistance of artificial intelligence, based on publicly available information released to media outlets. It was also reviewed by a journalist and an editor.