Baykar Announces a New UAV Facility Near Kiev and a Planned Ukrainian Production Hub
A major update from Baykar, the Turkish defense company led by Haluk Bayraktar, confirms the launch of a new facility near Kiev that will focus on producing Bayraktar unmanned aerial vehicles. The announcement came during a prominent arms fair in Saudi Arabia, where Bayraktar spoke about the project and its broader implications for regional aerospace capabilities. Reuters reported the initial details of the statement.
Bayraktar outlined a realistic timeline for the project, estimating that the construction phase will run for about a year. Once the building is ready, the plan includes a period of internal fit-out, the installation of essential equipment, and the establishment of a formal management structure to oversee operations. This phased approach aims to build a robust production footprint that can scale with demand while meeting stringent security and quality standards.
The executive emphasized the scale of the Ukrainian operation, noting that the venture is expected to create substantial employment opportunities. Approximately 500 personnel are expected to be hired as the plant enters full operation, reflecting Baykar’s confidence in Ukraine as a strategic manufacturing site for unmanned systems in the region.
Bayraktar also indicated that the facility will be capable of producing around 120 Bayraktar UAVs. At present, the exact model mix remains to be decided, with potential production of either the TB2 or TB3 variants under consideration. This choice will depend on evolving requirements, fielding timelines, and the integration of the most up-to-date platform enhancements.
Security concerns were raised by reporters, and Baykar’s CEO reassured stakeholders that these challenges will not derail the project. He asserted that nothing would obstruct the full execution of the current plans, underscoring a commitment to maintaining program continuity and safeguarding intellectual property, supply chains, and personnel.
In related remarks, Bayraktar cited developments in Turkey, noting a second successful test of the Bayraktar TB3 attack drone. The company described the test as a milestone, reinforcing confidence in the platform’s performance and potential export readiness. These findings align with ongoing efforts to advance unmanned warfare capabilities and to expand production capacity for allied markets.
Earlier statements from Baykar highlighted broader regional ambitions, including the development of aviation and maritime assets designed to bolster defense and security collaborations. While specifics about Ukrainian seaplane initiatives were referenced in prior dialogues, the current focus remains on establishing a robust UAV manufacturing presence in Ukraine as part of Baykar’s global production network. The company remains mindful of regulatory, logistical, and geopolitical considerations while pursuing growth in responsive, high-tech defense solutions.