Turkish drone magnate Baykar has successfully test-fired the KEMANKEŞ 2 mini smart cruise missile, with a range exceeding 200 kilometers.
Announcing the development on its social media platforms Tuesday, Baykar underscored the missile's indigenous manufacturing, emphasizing it as a pivotal advancement in the realm of Turkish aviation.
The testing phase is underway at the Baykar Flight Training and Test Center located in the northwestern Turkish province of Edirne.
Equipped with a jet engine enabling rapid travel and boasting an impressive one-hour flight duration, the KEMANKEŞ 2 is designed to effectively engage high-priority targets deep within enemy territory. Utilizing an artificial intelligence (AI)-supported optical guidance system, this advanced missile demonstrates pinpoint accuracy, even in adverse weather conditions.
With autonomous flight capabilities facilitated by its AI-backed autopilot system, the KEMANKEŞ 2 promises to redefine battlefield dynamics, neutralizing strategic targets with unparalleled precision. Operating seamlessly in both day and night environments, the missile remains impervious to electronic jamming, thanks to its cutting-edge anti-jamming technology. Furthermore, it facilitates comprehensive data tracking by transmitting real-time data and imagery to ground control stations.
The precursor to the KEMANKEŞ 2, KEMANKEŞ 1, made its debut appearance at Teknofest 2023, the world's premier aviation, space, and technology exhibition. Demonstrating its capabilities, KEMANKEŞ 1 successfully completed its inaugural firing test on June 14, 2023, launched from the Bayraktar TB2 unmanned combat aerial vehicle (UCAV).
Baykar's commitment to self-reliance and innovation has yielded substantial export success.
In 2023, the company generated 83% of its revenue from exports, consolidating its position as a global leader in unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) development. Recognized as the export champion of the defense and aerospace sector by the Turkish Exporters Assembly (TIM) and the Defense Industries Presidency (SSB) in 2021, 2022, and 2023, Baykar continues to drive industry growth. Notably, it accounted for one-third of the defense and aerospace sector's exports in 2023, showcasing its pivotal role in the international defense market. With export agreements spanning for a total of 33 countries -32 countries for the battle-proven Bayraktar TB2 UCAV and nine countries for the Bayraktar Akıncı UCAV- Baykar stands as the world's largest UCAV exporter, with 97.5% of its current contracts focusing on exports.
