The key facts

  • Three drones — two Bayraktar TB2 and one Akinci — took off from different bases and landed on the Manisa–Balikesir highway
  • Baykar plans to extend the runway-free operations concept to Kizilelma and TB3
  • In 2025, the company's exports reached a record $2.2 billion, with agreements signed with 40 countries

Landing on a highway during exercises

Turkish combat drones successfully landed and took off from a highway during emergency-scenario exercises, defense company Baykar announced, according to Anadolu. The drill demonstrated the ability of the Akinci and Bayraktar TB2 aircraft to keep operating when conventional runways are unavailable.

How the exercise unfolded

Three aircraft took off from separate bases: a Bayraktar TB2 from Keshan, an Akinci from Chorlu, and a Turkish Army Bayraktar TB2 from Izmir. All three converged on the Manisa–Balikesir highway, where they landed and took off. The section was selected following field surveys across the country.

Coordination and plans

The exercises were conducted in coordination with the Ministry of National Defense and the General Directorate of Highways; firefighters and ambulance crews were on standby at the site. Security along the route was ensured by the Governorship of Manisa, the gendarmerie and the police, while representatives of the armed forces and the Ministry of Interior observed the drill.

Expanding the concept and exports

Baykar said it plans to extend the runway-free operations concept to all of its platforms, including the Kizilelma unmanned fighter jet and the carrier-based Bayraktar TB3, capable of operating from short runways. Self-funded since its founding, the company remained the world's largest drone exporter in 2025 with a record $2.2 billion in exports, which accounted for 90% of its revenue. Export agreements have been signed with a total of 40 countries, including 37 states for the Bayraktar TB2 and 16 for the Akinci.