Following Poland's steps, Romania will become the second country in Europe to operate the Bayraktar TB2 combat drone (UCAV) produced by Baykar Makina, Turkey. The Romanian Ministry of National Defense has awarded a US$321 million contract to Baykar Makina for the purchase of 18 Bayraktar TB2 units.
Quoted from defensenews.com (26/4/2023), the decision to acquire TB2 combat drones was made after the Romanian Ministry of Defense announced its intention last August to acquire three packages of TB2 drones from Baykar Makina for around $300 million. However, it is still awaiting parliamentary approval.
“The UCAV system to be purchased will be intended for the Romanian Army. Each system includes six aerial platforms with target engagement capability (18 drones in total). The program also involves purchasing an initial logistical support package, necessary training and equipment,” said the Ministry of Defense Rumanua in a statement to the media.
The Bayraktar TB2 will be delivered to Timisoara, where the Romanian Air Force used to operate the 93rd Air Base which hosted MiG-23 fighter jets before being retired. Upon arrival, Romania will become the second EU country after Poland to operate TB2 and the third NATO member to order Bayraktar TB2 outside of Turkey.
The acquisition of the Bayraktar TB2 contributes to the ambitions set out as part of the transformation of the Romanian Army to 2040, which seeks to provide new military equipment and weapons systems that ensure flexibility, expand situational awareness and increase firepower.
As a combatant drone, the Bayraktar TB2 can carry various weapons for surface attacks, such as MAM, MAM-L and UMTAS missiles. From the specifications, the Bayraktar TB2 has a wingspan of 15 meters and a maximum weight at takeoff of 650 kg.
Bayraktar TB2 is supported by a single engine with two bladed variable pitch propellers. The engine power reaches 100 hp, technically this drone can accelerate at a speed of 129 km per hour. Entering the MALE (Medium Altitude Long Endurance) category, this drone can fly more than 20 hours at an altitude of 6,858 meters. while its cruising range in Line of Sight (LoS) mode reaches 150 km.
Earlier this month, a statement issued on the website of Romanian President Klaus Iohannis said that Bucharest was also considering buying the F-35 in a bid to modernize its air force.
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