Türkiye’s Akinci unmanned combat aerial vehicle (UCAV), developed by defence firm Baykar, has successfully intercepted a high-speed target drone using the indigenously developed Sungur air-defence missile over the Black Sea.
The Akinci took off from Baykar’s Flight Training and Test Center in Corlu, Tekirdag, and flew to the designated test area off the coast of Sinop.
During the test, the UCAV launched a Sungur missile developed by Turkish defence company Roketsan and scored a direct hit on the high-speed target aerial vehicle.
The Akinci then returned to Corlu along its planned route.
Expanding Akinci’s combat capabilities
The latest test adds another air-to-air capability to the Akinci, which has previously carried out firing tests using the Kemankes artificial intelligence-based mini cruise missile and the Eren high-speed multipurpose loitering munition.
Baykar has integrated a range of locally developed weapons into the Akinci to provide a layered strike capability against different types of targets and at varying ranges.
The successful Sungur test also demonstrates the integration of a Turkish-made air-defence missile with an unmanned combat aircraft, expanding the range of missions the platform can undertake.
Baykar expands global footprint
Baykar says it has financed its projects entirely through its own resources since its establishment and remained the world's largest exporter in the unmanned aerial vehicle segment in 2025.
The company recorded $2.2 billion in exports last year, with exports accounting for 90 percent of its revenue in recent years.
Baykar has signed export agreements with 39 countries, including 36 agreements for the Bayraktar TB2 and 16 for the Akinci.
