Unmanned Aerial Systems for the Bangladesh Army: A Comparative Assessment of the Bayraktar TB2, TB3, and Akinci

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The Bangladesh Army has placed increasing emphasis on developing robust intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance (ISR) capabilities as part of its ongoing modernisation programme. The expansion of unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) assets has emerged as a central priority under the broader objective of enhancing situational awareness, operational precision, and rapid information flow across the tactical and strategic spectrum.

Within this context, the potential procurement of medium-altitude long-endurance (MALE) UAVs represents a significant step forward. These systems are designed to provide persistent surveillance, target acquisition, and mapping support to both land and maritime operations. Among the various international offerings available, the Bayraktar TB2, Bayraktar TB3, and Bayraktar Akinci developed by Baykar Technologies of Türkiye stand out as proven, technologically mature, and export-ready platforms that align closely with the operational and environmental requirements of the Bangladesh Army.

This report provides an analytical overview of these three systems, examining their technical characteristics, operational suitability, and potential synergy with Bangladesh’s current and future force structure. The assessment is conducted from a neutral standpoint, without recommendation, and aims to support an informed understanding of how these platforms differ in scale, function, and strategic value.

Operational Context: Bangladesh’s Requirement for Medium UAVs

Bangladesh’s unique geographic environment presents a complex operational challenge. The nation’s terrain is dominated by riverine networks, deltaic plains, and a vast coastline stretching over 700 kilometres along the Bay of Bengal. These conditions require persistent aerial observation capabilities that can function effectively across varied terrains, weather conditions, and visibility levels.

Recent tenders issued through the Directorate General of Defence Procurement (DGDP) outline the Army’s need for a medium-range UAV capable of minimum 24-hour endurance, a 200–250 km operational radius, and high-accuracy mapping capabilities, including three-dimensional GIS data generation. The system is also expected to integrate electro-optical/infrared (EO/IR) sensors, a laser designator, and satellite communication (SATCOM) for beyond-line-of-sight operation.

The UAV must also perform reliably in tropical environmental conditions, with resilience to high humidity, variable temperatures, and coastal corrosion. Furthermore, interoperability with existing command-and-control infrastructure, including future network-centric integration, is a long-term consideration.

These operational criteria form the baseline against which the Baykar UAV family — the TB2, TB3, and Akinci — can be assessed.

Baykar UAV Development Lineage

Baykar Technologies has developed one of the world’s most successful UAV families, offering progressively advanced systems that cover the tactical, operational, and strategic layers of unmanned aviation. The Bayraktar TB2 serves as the foundational platform, widely exported and combat-proven; the TB3 is its naval and expeditionary evolution; and the Akinci represents Türkiye’s entry into the high-altitude, high-payload UAV domain.

The progression between these systems demonstrates a clear design philosophy: maintaining common control systems, modular avionics, and scalable autonomy while progressively increasing payload capacity, endurance, and mission flexibility. This approach allows operators to adopt a layered UAV structure within a single technological ecosystem.

Technical Specifications Overview

The following table summarises the core specifications of the three UAVs.

Specification	Bayraktar TB2	Bayraktar TB3	Bayraktar Akinci
Length	6.5 m	8.35 m	12.2 m
Wingspan	12 m	14 m (foldable)	20 m
Maximum Take-Off Weight (MTOW)	~700 kg	~1,450 kg	~6,000 kg
Payload Capacity	~150 kg	~280 kg	~1,350 kg
Endurance	24–27 hours	24–30 hours	24–30 hours
Service Ceiling	25,000 ft	35,000 ft	40,000 ft
Engine Type	Single piston (Rotax 912)	TEI PD170 turbodiesel	Twin turboprop (AI-450T/PT6A)
Range / Communication	LOS 300 km (optional SATCOM)	SATCOM, >1,000 km	SATCOM, >1,000 km
Launch / Recovery	Runway	Short runway or ship deck	Runway
Operational Domain	Land-based ISR	Naval & expeditionary ISR	Strategic ISR / EW
Approximate Unit Cost	USD 5–8 million	USD 10–15 million	USD 20–30 million

Structural Design and Propulsion

The Bayraktar TB2 is a lightweight, single-engine MALE UAV designed for high-endurance surveillance at low operating costs. Its composite structure offers corrosion resistance and ease of maintenance, making it well-suited to tropical climates.

The Bayraktar TB3 represents a major structural evolution. With a larger wingspan and foldable wing design, it is optimised for shipborne deployment. The aircraft’s TEI PD170 turbodiesel engine provides greater power and altitude performance than the TB2’s piston engine, allowing operation up to 35,000 feet. This design grants the TB3 higher climb rates and improved stability in adverse weather conditions.

The Bayraktar Akinci, significantly larger, uses twin turboprop engines delivering up to 750 horsepower each, depending on configuration. The twin-engine layout provides redundancy and enhanced reliability, a key consideration for long-duration flights. The Akinci’s semi-metallic fuselage, combined with composite components, ensures structural integrity under high aerodynamic loads.

The three UAVs together illustrate a scalable propulsion philosophy: from simple piston engines suitable for local missions to turboprop systems designed for long-range, high-altitude endurance.

Payload and Sensor Capabilities

Payload integration differentiates the three UAVs most clearly.

The TB2, with a payload capacity of approximately 150 kg, is typically equipped with an EO/IR turret, a laser rangefinder/designator, and small precision-guided munitions or mapping equipment. This configuration is ideal for ISR and light strike missions, border security, and real-time mapping.

The TB3, doubling the payload capacity, supports up to six hardpoints (three per wing) and can integrate maritime radar, synthetic aperture radar (SAR), and compact electronic intelligence modules. This flexibility allows simultaneous surveillance and targeting missions, making it suitable for coastal and maritime domain awareness operations.

The Akinci, designed as a strategic platform, offers payload versatility unmatched by other UAVs in its weight class. It supports large AESA radars, SAR/GMTI modules, electronic warfare payloads, and multiple EO/IR sensors. Additionally, it can carry heavy precision-guided weapons, communication relays, or airborne command modules.

In mapping and reconnaissance terms, the Akinci’s payload capacity allows high-resolution LiDAR or wide-area mapping systems to be employed concurrently with ISR sensors — an advantage in 3D terrain modelling and large-area GIS data collection.

Communication and Data-Link Systems

Reliable communication architecture is essential for long-endurance operations.

The TB2 operates primarily within a 300 km line-of-sight (LOS) range through a digital data link. However, some export configurations include SATCOM for extended range.

Both the TB3 and Akinci include SATCOM as standard, allowing operation beyond visual range and integration into national or joint command networks. The Akinci’s dual-redundant datalink architecture includes independent channels for telemetry and payload data, ensuring resilience against jamming and maintaining data integrity during long missions.

Integration with national satellites such as Bangladesh’s Bangladesh Satellite-1 could allow persistent, wide-area connectivity for beyond-line-of-sight missions.

Launch, Recovery, and Deployment Flexibility

Launch and recovery capabilities distinguish the three UAVs in terms of operational reach.

The TB2 and Akinci are conventional runway-launched aircraft, requiring paved or semi-prepared airstrips. The TB2’s small footprint enables operation from austere forward bases, while the Akinci’s larger size requires airbase-scale infrastructure.

The TB3, however, introduces genuine expeditionary capability. Designed for short take-off and arrested recovery, it can operate from short runways or ship decks. The folding wings allow stowage on vessels such as light aircraft carriers and amphibious assault ships. This capability would enable the Bangladesh Army or Navy to deploy UAVs directly from maritime platforms, significantly extending surveillance coverage across the Bay of Bengal. It would also be useful for operation with Riverine Engineers Brigade formations of the Bangladesh Army as part of Army Aviation detachments.

Endurance and Performance Profile

All three UAVs achieve endurance between 24 and 30 hours, but performance characteristics differ.

The TB2 achieves endurance through efficiency and low fuel consumption, ideal for continuous patrol and mapping operations. The TB3’s turbodiesel engine improves altitude performance and maintains endurance while increasing payload weight and operational flexibility. The Akinci, despite its size, achieves comparable endurance due to its fuel-efficient turboprops and large fuel capacity.

The Akinci’s ability to operate at altitudes above 40,000 feet allows it to fly above weather systems and most short-range air defence envelopes. The TB3, operating at around 35,000 feet, offers a balance between persistence and altitude advantage, while the TB2 is more suited to medium-altitude tactical ISR.

Operational Role Differentiation

Mission Type	TB2	TB3	Akinci
Tactical ISR and Mapping	✓	✓	✓
Border and Coastal Surveillance	✓	✓	✓
Maritime Domain Awareness	—	✓	✓
Long-Range Strategic ISR	—	✓ (limited)	✓
Electronic Warfare / SIGINT	—	—	✓
Communication Relay	—	✓ (optional)	✓
Precision Strike	✓ (limited)	✓ (expanded)	✓ (heavy munitions)

The TB2 remains optimised for tactical ISR, ground force support, and short-range mapping missions. The TB3 expands this capacity into naval operations and long-range reconnaissance. The Akinci functions as a strategic asset capable of electronic warfare, communications relay, and combined ISR-strike missions.

Regional Capability Context

In the regional environment, the performance of the TB2, TB3, and Akinci compares favourably with existing UAV inventories.

India fields the Israeli Heron Mk II and Heron TP, as well as the leased MQ-9B Sea Guardian from the United States. Myanmar operates Chinese-origin CH-3A, CH-4B, and Wing Loong UAVs.

Platform	Origin	Endurance	Payload	Ceiling	Armament	Notes
Heron TP	Israel	30+ hours	1,000 kg	45,000 ft	Configurable	Operated unarmed by India
MQ-9B	USA	35+ hours	1,700 kg	50,000 ft	Yes	High cost, export-controlled
CH-4B	China	30 hours	250 kg	23,000 ft	Yes	Exported to Myanmar
Wing Loong II	China	20 hours	400 kg	30,000 ft	Yes	Limited sensor sophistication
Bayraktar TB2	Türkiye	27 hours	150 kg	25,000 ft	Yes	Proven, cost-effective
Bayraktar TB3	Türkiye	30 hours	280 kg	35,000 ft	Yes	Shipborne capable
Bayraktar Akinci	Türkiye	30 hours	1,350 kg	40,000 ft	Yes	Multi-role, strategic

From this perspective, the Baykar UAV family provides a continuum of capabilities competitive with regional systems but at significantly lower acquisition and sustainment costs.

The Akinci’s performance places it between the Heron TP and MQ-9B in capability, while the TB3 offers an operational flexibility absent in most regional fleets. The TB2, although lighter, remains among the most combat-proven and cost-efficient UAVs globally.

Training, Maintenance, and Industrial Synergy

A key advantage of the Baykar UAV ecosystem is shared ground control architecture and software commonality. Operators trained on the TB2 can transition to the TB3 or Akinci with minimal retraining. Maintenance procedures, avionics diagnostics, and mission planning software also share common interfaces, reducing logistic complexity.

This interoperability simplifies mixed-fleet operation. A single command network can control multiple UAV types simultaneously, enabling coordinated missions where, for example, a TB2 conducts close ISR while an Akinci provides overwatch and data relay.

Industrial partnership models offered by Baykar typically include operator training, maintenance transfer, and the possibility of establishing local support facilities, enhancing long-term self-sufficiency.

Technological Maturity

The TB2 has reached full operational maturity and is in service with more than 30 countries. The Akinci entered Turkish Air Force service in 2021 and has completed export deliveries to several nations. The TB3, having completed its first carrier-based trials in 2024, is expected to achieve full operational certification by 2025–2026.

The TB3’s maturity trajectory suggests near-term readiness for export customers. Its technology base, derived from both the TB2 and Akinci, ensures reliability and compatibility with existing Baykar systems.

Comparative Summary

Category	TB2	TB3	Akinci
Operational Role	Tactical / ISR	Naval / Expeditionary ISR	Strategic / Multi-role ISR–EW
Payload Diversity	Limited	Moderate	Extensive
Endurance (hours)	24–27	24–30	24–30
Range (with SATCOM)	~300 km / optional	>1,000 km	>1,000 km
Cost Efficiency	Excellent	Good	Moderate
Infrastructure Needs	Minimal	Moderate	High
Operational Complexity	Low	Moderate	High
Regional Performance Tier	Comparable to CH-4	Between CH-4 and Heron Mk II	Near MQ-9B class
Export Maturity	Fully operational	In testing / pre-export	Fully operational

This table underlines how each UAV serves a distinct operational level. The TB2 functions as the economical, proven tactical platform; the TB3 introduces multi-domain flexibility, particularly at sea; and the Akinci delivers high-altitude endurance and payload comparable to far costlier Western systems.

Strategic Implications for Force Development

The Bangladesh Army’s interest in medium-range UAVs aligns with a broader shift toward network-centric warfare and persistent ISR. The availability of the TB2, TB3, and Akinci presents an opportunity to establish a multi-tiered unmanned capability covering tactical, operational, and strategic requirements using a single technological lineage.

At the tactical level, UAVs such as the TB2 enhance surveillance, mapping, and disaster response. At the operational level, the TB3 introduces the ability to project ISR capabilities across maritime zones and remote regions. At the strategic level, the Akinci provides wide-area intelligence gathering, electronic support measures, and real-time data relays for joint operations.

The layered structure of these systems also supports modular fleet growth, enabling incremental acquisition without disrupting existing command structures or training pipelines.

Remarks

The Baykar UAV family—comprising the Bayraktar TB2, TB3, and Akinci—collectively demonstrates a coherent progression from tactical to strategic unmanned capability. Each platform addresses a distinct operational echelon, yet all share core technological foundations in software, avionics, and control architecture.

The TB2 remains an efficient, field-proven platform for land-based ISR and mapping; the TB3 extends those functions into maritime and expeditionary domains; and the Akinci provides a high-end strategic asset with multi-sensor, long-range, and electronic warfare capacity.

For the Bangladesh Army, whose operational needs span land, riverine, and maritime environments, these platforms offer a balanced spectrum of capabilities that could integrate seamlessly into evolving ISR and command networks. While each UAV differs in scale, cost, and complexity, they represent complementary components of a unified unmanned ecosystem.

The analysis presented herein illustrates that the Baykar UAV series embodies both technical maturity and operational flexibility suited to the requirements of a modern, regionally focused defence force.