At the TEKNOFEST aviation festival in Ankara, observers witnessed a premier display of Bayraktar unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs). The event highlighted the newest models from Turkey’s defense sector and underscored ongoing investments in aerial technology. Reports from TASS described the showcase as a central feature of the festival, illustrating how Turkish engineers and defense teams are advancing in unmanned systems.
The organizers noted the exhibition took place at Etimesgut Airport, about 10 kilometers west of Ankara’s city center. This location offered ample space to present a range of UAV platforms and supporting ground equipment to a broad audience that extended beyond the capital city.
Inside the main display area, visitors could view a line of Bayraktar models that have become emblematic of Turkey’s UAV program. The lineup included the Bayraktar TB2, Bayraktar TB3, Bayraktar Akıncı, and Bayraktar Kızılelma — each serving distinct roles and capabilities within the Bayraktar air assets family. The public presentation emphasized domestic innovation and wider strategic applications, inviting attendees to explore design features, sensors, and mission profiles tied to these systems.
Audience reactions reflected strong interest in the UAV program. Reporters cited attendees traveling from Ankara and other regions, underscoring nationwide curiosity about unmanned aviation and the capabilities on display. People were observed waiting for long stretches to photograph the vehicles and pilots, signaling broad public engagement with the technology and its potential impact on defense and aviation education in Turkey.
Separately, news from Kosovo cited statements by Prime Minister Albin Kurti indicating that the partially recognized republic had placed an order for a fleet of Bayraktar attack aircraft from Turkey. This development highlighted the international reach of Bayraktar platforms and their perceived value in regional security and defense procurement discussions beyond Turkey’s borders.
On another front, Ukrainian officials provided updates about strategic manufacturing ambitions tied to UAV production. On the eve of the festival, Oleksandr Kamyshin, Ukraine’s Minister of Strategic Industries, announced the start of construction for a plant dedicated to Bayraktar UAV production. The move signals a broader effort to expand domestic capabilities to support Ukraine’s defense needs and to diversify its supply chains for unmanned aerial platforms amid ongoing regional security considerations.
Earlier, there were reports from the Netherlands and Denmark regarding regional defense cooperation, while the United States was reported to have approved the transfer of F-16 fighter aircraft to Ukraine. Taken together, these items reflect a complex set of international defense dynamics where several nations adjust their collaborative defense portfolios and equipment commitments in response to evolving strategic environments.