He was one of the most effective weapons at the start of the conflict between Russians and Ukrainians before little by little disappearing. The Bayraktar TB2 reappeared at the front on August 21, killing five crew members of a Russian ship .
The ” nightmare ” of the Russians is back. Much used at the beginning of the conflict, the Bayraktar TB2 had gradually disappeared from the front lines, primarily due to its cost . However, the Ukrainian military intelligence (HUR) claimed on their Telegram account, and this was relayed by our colleagues from Le Parisien, that a Russian ship was sunk thanks to this drone.
The attack allegedly took place near the seaside resort of Zaliznyi Port , located in the occupied Oblast of Kherson, and targeted a Russian patrol ship , resulting in the deaths of five crew members.
A Turkish Manufacturing Drone
On Telegram, Ukrainian services reported the ” Laser targeting of a drone” which led to a ” precise and devastating missile strike .” According to the media outlet Militarnyi, as relayed by our colleagues from L’Indépendant, a video published by Ukrainian forces suggests that the drone used in the attack was indeed a Bayraktar TB2 .
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MC9GL5GLZW8
The Bayraktar TB2 is a 12-meter-long, 650-kilogram drone manufactured by the Turkish company Baykar . According to reports, it is classified as a tactical drone of medium altitude and long endurance (MALE), which is also capable of conducting intelligence , surveillance , and reconnaissance missions.
Russian ” Nightmare “
This drone is equipped with a guided missile system , capable of being autonomous in the air for up to 24 hours , and has a strike capability that has earned it the nickname ” Devastator .” It has been praised for its value for money , making it an attractive option for military applications.
At the onset of the conflict, it earned the reputation of being the ” nightmare ” for Russian forces, effectively targeting Russian weapon convoys . However, due to a lack of resources and a limited number of units , it gradually became less prominent on the battlefield. Now, the Turkish company behind the drone is reportedly working on a successor , the Bayraktar TB3 , which aims to build upon the strengths of its predecessor.
As the conflict continues, the reappearance of the Bayraktar TB2 highlights its strategic importance and the evolving nature of drone warfare. The situation in Ukraine remains fluid, and both sides are adapting to new technologies and tactics, making the Bayraktar TB2 a significant player in this complex geopolitical landscape.