At the Baykar Flight Training and Test Centre in Keşan, Edirne, Turkey’s top defence company, Baykar, has successfully conducted the first fire test of the KEMANKEŞ 2 Mini Intelligent Cruise Missile, which was initially produced domestically.
With a jet engine, the small intelligent cruise missile can quickly target the most strategic enemy positions behind enemy lines and has an endurance of roughly one hour. The KEMANKEŞ 2, which is outfitted with an AI-backed visual guiding system and has an operational range exceeding 200 kilometres, can precisely take out targets in inclement weather.
The KEMANKEŞ 2’s AI-supported autopilot technology allows it to fly autonomously and accurately take out strategic targets, changing the dynamics of combat. The KEMANKEŞ 2 is a useful tool that can be used in both day and night-time situations. Its anti-jamming technology prevents interference from electronic devices. By sending all collected data and photos to the ground control station, it will also help the operator with data tracking.
The initial iteration of the small intelligent cruise missile, known as KEMANKEŞ 1, which was created in-house by Baykar with the intention of aiming it at strategic targets, was first shown to the public during TEKNOFEST 2023, which took place at Atatürk Airport from April 27 to May 1. On June 14, 2023, it successfully conducted its first firing test using a Bayraktar TB2 UAV.
Since its founding and the start of the UAV research and development process in 2003, 83% of Baykar’s total revenue has come from exports. The company has self-financed all of its initiatives. Based on data from the Turkish Exporters Assembly (TIM) for the years 2021 and 2022, Baykar emerged as the leading exporter in the defence and aerospace industry. According to the Defence Industry Agency, with $1.8 billion in exports, Baykar led the sector in 2023. A third of the sector’s exports in 2023 were carried out by Baykar, which in recent years has made up more than 90% of its revenue from exports. Ninety-seven percent of Baykar’s existing contracts come from exports; it is the world’s top exporter of UAVs. A total of 34 countries have signed export agreements, including 33 for the Bayraktar TB2 UAV and 9 countries for Bayraktar AKINCI UCAV.
