The Romanian Ministry of Defense is seeking parliament's approval for the purchase of 18 Bayraktar TB2 drones valued at $300 million, according to a document submitted to the legislature.
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Bayraktar TB2 (Picture source: Baykar)
The acquisition of 3 Bayraktar TB2 UAS systems, totaling 18 drones with target engagement capabilities, together with an initial logistics support package and specific training and education equipment is under consideration.
"The mentioned UAS systems are intended for structures within the Land Forces that act in the operational environment and provide real-time, continuous or long-term informational support , simultaneously with the possibility of engaging the target, bar endangering the physical integrity of the aviation personnel" , claims the Ministry Defense.
The value of the purchase contract, excluding VAT, has been estimated at USD 300 million, based on the substantiation data collected up to this point, the exact value to be determined following the completion of the procurement procedure.
Recently, the Bayraktar TB2 is used in Ukraine against the "Russian military operations".
See the analysis: Ukraine uses Bayraktar TB2 drone to destroy Russian Mi-8 helicopter and troops
The Bayraktar is a medium altitude long endurance (MALE) unmanned combat aerial vehicle (UCAV) developed, designed, and manufactured by the Turkish Company Baykar.
The Bayraktar TB2 is capable of conducting Intelligence, Surveillance, and Reconnaissance (ISR) and armed attack missions. The design of the Bayraktar consists of a monocoque fuselage integrating an inverse v-tail structure. The engine is positioned between the tail booms and fuel is stored in bladder tanks.
Made of carbon fiber, Kevlar, and hybrid composites, the Bayraktar TB2 has a length of 6.5m, a wingspan of 12m, and a maximum take-off weight of 630kg. It is powered by a sole 100hp Rotax 912 Internal Combustion Engine.
It has a range of more than 150 km and a top speed of 130 km/h. The Bayraktar TB2 can fire a wide range of weapons, such as the 22.5 kg Roketsan MAM-L Smart Munition or even the long-range anti-tank missile UMTAS.
