Ukraine gains combat-ready TB2 reinforcements
The Ukrainian military has put its Bayraktar TB2s to good use against invading Russian forces. (Photo: Ukrainian MoD)
A new batch of combat-ready Bayraktar TB2s has arrived in Ukraine for use against invading Russian forces, the Ukrainian MoD announced on 2 March.
The Ukrainian MoD revealed on 2 March that ‘a new batch’ of Bayraktar TB2 strike UAVs have arrived in the country and ‘are ready for combat use now’ against attacking Russian forces.
The exact number of new UAVs remains unknown. The Ukrainian Air Force and Ukrainian Navy had a combined total of at least 12 TB2s at their disposal before the Russian invasion began on 24 February.
Verified social media footage has been posted since then of various TB2 strikes on Russian armour, logistics units and other equipment.
Meanwhile, the Akinci B HALE UAS developed by Baykar Defence completed its first flight while fitted with twin 750hp turboprop engines, CEO Haluk Bayraktar announced via social media on 2 March.
He added that an Akinci C fitted with two 950hp engines ‘will soon be in the skies’.
Bayraktar also announced that two export contracts have been signed for the Akinci platform. He did not identify the customers but Shephard Defence Insight has named Ukraine and Poland as the most likely candidates.
Related Programmes in Defence Insight
Bayraktar TB2 (Pre-War) [Ukraine Navy]
Related Equipment in Defence Insight
More from Ukraine-Russia News: Technology and Equipment Spotlight
-
![Reporting on Russia's invasion of Ukraine (podcast)]()
Reporting on Russia's invasion of Ukraine (podcast)
In a new-look Shephard Defence Podcast, the news team discusses the rapidly-evolving situation in Ukraine and latest developments following Russia's unprovoked invasion.
-
![Italy may donate 155mm howitzers to Ukraine]()
Italy may donate 155mm howitzers to Ukraine
Ukraine could obtain more 155mm howitzers — this time from Italy — as Kyiv seeks to tip the artillery balance against Russia.
-
![Germany mulls supplying IRIS-T to Ukraine]()
Germany mulls supplying IRIS-T to Ukraine
Will Germany decide to provide ten medium-range SAM systems to Ukraine?
-
![Reina Isabel returns to port after partial failure to complete Ukraine delivery]()
Reina Isabel returns to port after partial failure to complete Ukraine delivery
The Spanish Navy support vessel Reina Isabel returned to its homeport on 13 May after a mission to deliver arms, ammunition and Ukraine — although Kyiv did not receive everything it expected.
-
![Pitfalls remain with giving Ukraine modern fighter jets]()
Pitfalls remain with giving Ukraine modern fighter jets
It seems appealing to fast-track pilot training by conducting most flights on simulators and omitting certain procedures if the West were to give more modern aircraft for Ukraine’s air force, but it might prove challenging in practice.
-
![Down, but not out (Comment)]()
Down, but not out (Comment)
The sinking in April of the Russian Navy’s Black Sea flagship, although not evidence of a major change in the naval domain, is a far cry from the pre-emptive scuttling of Ukraine’s own flagship. The donation of increasingly advanced materiel demonstrates increased faith in Ukraine’s ability to resist the Russian invaders.
