Saudi Arabia Finalizes $3B Deal for 60 Bayraktar Akıncı UCAVs
Saudi Arabia’s Bayraktar Akıncı combat drone operators have officially completed their advanced training program at Baykar’s training center in Turkey, according to Daily Sabah and Defence & Security Asia. Following graduation, the operators are set to return home, marking the final step before the large-scale delivery of Akıncı drones begins.
The deal, valued at around $3 billion, was signed in 2023 between Saudi Arabia and Baykar, making it one of the largest drone export contracts in Turkish defense history. Under the agreement, a total of 60 Bayraktar Akıncı UCAVs will be delivered between 2025 and 2026 to the Royal Saudi Air Force and the Royal Saudi Naval Forces.
Akıncı: The Flagship of Turkish Drone Technology
The Bayraktar Akıncı (Unmanned Combat Aerial Vehicle – UCAV) represents a new generation of heavy-class combat drones equipped with artificial intelligence-based flight systems, advanced avionics, and long-endurance strike capability.
According to Baykar and Wikipedia, the Akıncı features:
Length: 12.5 meters
Wingspan: 20 meters
Height: 4.1 meters
Maximum Takeoff Weight: 5,500 kg
Payload Capacity: 1,350 kg (distributed over 6 hardpoints)
Service Ceiling: 45,000 ft
Endurance: 24–25 hours
Operational Range (SATCOM-assisted): up to 7,500 km
The Akıncı-B variant is powered by two AI-450T turboprop engines (750 hp each) developed by Ukraine’s Motor Sich, while the upgraded Akıncı-C variant uses dual 850 hp engines for higher thrust and performance.
As per Turkey Today and Baykar, the Akıncı UCAV integrates an indigenous Active Electronically Scanned Array (AESA) radar, electronic warfare systems, electro-optical targeting pods, and SATCOM communication for beyond-line-of-sight missions.
It can carry a wide range of precision-guided munitions, including:
MAM-L, MAM-C smart micro munitions
L-UMTAS anti-tank missiles
Bozok and Gökdoğan air-to-air missiles
SOM-A stand-off cruise missiles
MK-81, MK-82, MK-83 bombs with smart guidance kits
These capabilities enable Akıncı to perform air-to-air, air-to-ground, and maritime strike missions, making it more versatile than many light manned aircraft in service today.
While the Akıncı has proven to be a capable combat drone, Defence & Security Asia and Turkey Today note that one Akıncı unit was reportedly shot down over Sudan’s Darfur region in early October 2025 by local militant groups (RSF). The incident highlights the growing risk of operating advanced UAVs in contested airspace but also underscores their increasing use in real-world conflicts.
Military analysts say that Saudi Arabia’s acquisition of Akıncı UCAVs will significantly enhance its airpower and reconnaissance capabilities, particularly in long-range surveillance and maritime strike roles.
The deal also symbolizes Turkey’s emergence as a global drone powerhouse, following the success of its Bayraktar TB2 drones in multiple conflict zones. According to Baykar, Akıncı’s export success demonstrates how “national technology can compete with global defense giants when guided by a clear vision and self-reliance.”
The induction of Akıncı drones into the Saudi arsenal marks a new chapter in Middle Eastern air warfare. Beyond enhancing Saudi defense capabilities, this collaboration reinforces the Turkey–Saudi strategic partnership in defense and technology — signaling that the age of unmanned air dominance is rapidly expanding beyond traditional Western suppliers.##
Daily Sabah – “Saudi Arabia to Receive 60 Bayraktar Akıncı UCAVs after Training Completion ,Baykar Official Website – Akıncı UCAV Specifications and Export Announcement,Defence & Security Asia – “Saudi Arabia Finalizes $3 Billion Deal for 60 Akıncı UCAVs”,Turkey Today – “Saudi Operators Graduate from Akıncı Training in Turkey”,Wikipedia – “Bayraktar Akıncı” Technical Overview
