Turkey’s globally renowned UAV manufacturer Baykar has achieved another milestone in aviation history with the Bayraktar TB2T-AI, an advanced variant of the Bayraktar family. Developed entirely with national resources, the AI-powered combat drone reachedpduring a recent test flight over Keşan — a major leap from its previous record of 30,318 feet set on February 21, 2025.

The record-setting performance was driven by two key innovations: a powerful turbo engine and a triple artificial intelligence flight architecture. The turbo engine allows rapid climbs beyond 30,000 feet, while the onboard AI computers enable the drone to navigate using visual terrain mapping, autonomous route planning, target recognition, and precision landing. With these systems, the TB2T-AI can operate effectively even under intense electronic warfare conditions, dynamically adjusting its route for maximum operational safety.

Thanks to its enhanced takeoff weight and payload capacity, the Bayraktar TB2T-AI offers faster climb rates, higher endurance at altitude, and speeds exceeding 160 knots (300 km/h). These characteristics make it not only an unmatched reconnaissance platform but also a strategic force multiplier capable of precision strikes from high altitudes. Its long-duration missions allow for broader surveillance coverage, delayed detection by adversaries, and improved situational awareness for joint operations.

The TB2T-AI’s high-altitude success builds upon the legacy of the Bayraktar TB2, which surpassed one million flight hours as Turkey’s longest-serving unmanned aircraft. With features such as autonomous takeoff and landing, automated return-to-base in emergencies, and AI-assisted navigation, the TB2T-AI represents the next evolutionary step toward fully intelligent aerial warfare systems. Defense experts note that this achievement solidifies Baykar’s global leadership in UAV innovation and its ability to deliver “high altitude, high intelligence” performance for both national defense and international partners.