Bayraktar AKINCI Deliveries Explained: How Many Built, and Which Operators?

AKINCI is a heavy-payload UCAV able to operate beyond line of sight via satellite (SATCOM) link. It carries both air-to-ground and air-to-air munitions and performs ISR, electronic warfare and precision-strike missions. It is positioned as a “loyal wingman” to operate alongside crewed combat aircraft and other platforms.

A step up from the Bayraktar TB2, AKINCI offers higher altitude, heavier munitions and a broader mission set, with multiple engine variants for different profiles.

The first operator was the Turkish military (primarily the Air Force). In exports, AKINCI has entered the inventories of more than 13 countries, making it one of the drivers of Türkiye’s UAV exports.

AKINCI first flew on 6 December 2019 and entered Turkish service on 29 August 2021. Baykar serially produces AKINCI at its Istanbul facilities, with a stated annual capacity of roughly 50 AKINCI (alongside ~250 TB2).

Baykar officials state that more than 110 AKINCI aircraft have been delivered at home and abroad as of January 2026, with a target of 120 by end-2026. At ~50 units a year, AKINCI is among the world’s most-exported heavy-class UCAVs.

Deliveries continue for both the Turkish military and export customers. Baykar consolidated its position as the global UCAV-export leader with around $1.8 billion in drone exports in 2024, with AKINCI a major component. New orders and capacity expansion are expected to accelerate output further.

AKINCI variants use two turboprop engines of 450, 750 or 850 hp depending on the mission. These engines are currently imported (e.g. the Ukrainian Ivchenko AI-450T). Note: AKINCI’s engine should not be confused with the indigenous PD-170 used on ANKA and TB3 — PD-170 is a different class. Türkiye continues engine-localization work, but AKINCI currently flies with imported turboprops.

The prime contractor is Baykar (Istanbul), responsible for the airframe, flight control and autonomy software.

• Munitions: MAM-L / MAM-T / MAM-C smart munitions, SOM cruise missile, Gökdoğan and Bozdoğan air-to-air missiles, guided bombs
• Mission systems: ASELSAN electro-optical and radar systems (AESA radar on some variants)
• Autonomy / flight control: Baykar indigenous avionics
• Manufacturer: Baykar — ~50 AKINCI per year

AKINCI is one of the platforms putting Türkiye at the forefront of the heavy-class UCAV market. Its strong export volume brings revenue and raises the global visibility of the Turkish defense industry, while integration with indigenous munitions and mission systems builds a self-reliant ecosystem.

AKINCI entered Turkish Armed Forces service on 29 August 2021.

Per Baykar, more than 110 have been delivered at home and abroad, with a 2026 year-end target of 120.

Besides the Turkish military, operators include Azerbaijan, Pakistan, the UAE, Saudi Arabia, Kenya and Morocco — 13+ countries in total.

No. AKINCI uses 450/750/850 hp turboprops that are currently imported (e.g. AI-450T). It should not be confused with the indigenous PD-170.

About 1,350 kg of payload, above 40,000 ft, with endurance up to 24 hours.

Baykar’s stated capacity is roughly 50 AKINCI per year.