Türkiye takes Saudi Arabia under its protection – AKINCI drones take to the skies

Saudi Arabia is building a large unmanned aerial vehicle fleet equipped with Türkiye’s heavy strike drones.

TodayPress TV reports, citing foreign media, that the initial order is reportedly for approximately 60 AKINCI strike drones.

Deliveries have reportedly already begun, with the unmanned aerial vehicles being operated by Saudi military personnel.

Produced by Turkish defense company Baykar, the AKINCI can carry up to 1,500 kilograms of payload, fly at altitudes above 45,000 feet, and conduct long-endurance reconnaissance, surveillance and strike missions.

The drone can carry precision-guided munitions such as MAM-L, MAM-C and MAM-T, as well as the SOM-A cruise missile. This capability gives the AKINCI the ability to conduct long-range strikes.

The expansion of the fleet is reportedly expected to make Saudi Arabia one of the largest operators of Turkish-made combat drones in the Middle East and could add a new layer to the country’s airstrike capabilities.

Jala Rovshan