Selcuk Bayraktar is a prominent figure, well-known for his role as the chief adviser to Recep Tayyip Erdogan, the President of Turkey, and a key player in Turkey's defense industry.
In the realm of aviation and defense technology, Selcuk Bayraktar, the Chairman and Chief Technology Officer (CTO) of Baykar, has made significant strides in elevating Turkey's capabilities. Bayraktar's contributions, particularly to the development of the Bayraktar TB2 and the Malazgirt UAV systems, have placed Turkey on the global map as a formidable force in the UAV industry.
## The Bayraktar TB2: A Symbol of Turkish Innovation
As CTO and Chairman, Bayraktar spearheaded the development of the Bayraktar TB2, a medium-altitude long-endurance (MALE) unmanned combat aerial vehicle (UCAV), around 2014. His leadership has been instrumental in transforming Baykar from a company with roots in the 1980s into a global UAV powerhouse in the 21st century.
Under Bayraktar’s guidance, the TB2 has become one of the most internationally recognized Turkish UAVs. It has been deployed successfully in conflicts such as those in Syria, Libya, Nagorno-Karabakh, and Ukraine, earning widespread acclaim for its performance and effectiveness.
Originally, the TB2 relied on foreign subsystems such as Canadian Wescam optics and Austrian Rotax engines. However, due to export restrictions, Baykar, under Bayraktar’s leadership, transitioned to domestic components like the TEI-PD170 engine and Aselsan’s CATS electro-optical system. This shift significantly enhanced Turkey’s indigenous defense capabilities and reduced reliance on foreign suppliers.
The TB2 has been exported to numerous countries, highlighting its international appeal. Bayraktar’s vision has broadened the market reach of Turkish UAVs, positioning Baykar as a key player in the global defense industry.
## The Malazgirt UAV: A Step Towards Diversification
While detailed public information on the Malazgirt UAV is limited, Baykar’s broader strategy—under Selcuk Bayraktar’s leadership—has been to expand and diversify its UAV portfolio. The Malazgirt is thought to be a tactical or smaller UAV platform, though it does not share the same level of international visibility or documentation as the TB2.
Under Bayraktar’s direction, Baykar has established international partnerships and joint ventures, such as collaborations with Italian firms (including the acquisition of Piaggio Aerospace and the launch of LBA Systems with Leonardo). These partnerships aim to blend Turkish UAV platforms with advanced European electronics and certification expertise, further boosting Turkey’s capabilities and international integration.
Baykar’s expansion includes plans to produce TB2 and Akinci UAVs at Italian facilities, ensuring continued employment and industrial activity while scaling up production. Bayraktar has emphasized maintaining and growing employment, as well as establishing maintenance centers for aircraft and engines, solidifying Baykar’s position as a global aerospace leader.
During his doctoral education at MIT, Bayraktar carried out studies in the field of automatic flight control algorithms that give Unmanned Helicopter Systems the ability to perform aggressive maneuvers. Bayraktar earned a master's degree in unmanned aircraft from the University of Pennsylvania. The Bayraktar TB2 Unmanned Aerial Vehicle System broke Turkish National Aviation records with its guidance and control system design. The Bayraktar TB2 UAV System's missile firing test was registered with the Turkish Patent Institute (Registration No: 2015 03023).
In conclusion, Selcuk Bayraktar’s contributions have been decisive in making the Bayraktar TB2 a symbol of Turkey’s technological independence and military innovation. His leadership has positioned Baykar as a global UAV leader, with ongoing expansion into international markets and partnerships, while fostering domestic technological advancements and industrial growth.
- Selcuk Bayraktar's leadership at Baykar has not only led to the development of the globally recognized Bayraktar TB2, but also initiated a shift in the UAV industry, making Turkey a key player in the aerospace and finance sectors.
- As the CTO and Chairman of Baykar, Selcuk Bayraktar's vision extends beyond the Bayraktar TB2, with the strategic diversification of the company's UAV portfolio and international partnerships, positioning Turkey as a formidable force in the global aerospace and technology industry.
