Croatia Embraces Bayraktar TB2 Drones for Surveillance and Precision Strikes
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On 2 September 2025, Croatia took another step in the modernization of its armed forces with the official presentation of the Bayraktar TB2 unmanned aerial system. The ceremony took place at Colonel Marko Živković Barracks in Pleso, attended by Minister of Defense Ivan Anušić, Chief of the General Staff of the Armed Forces General Tihomir Kundid, Turkish Ambassador to Croatia Hayriye Nurdan Erpulat Altuntaş, and military and government representatives. This acquisition follows the arrival of Rafale fighter aircraft, further consolidating the Croatian Air Force’s arsenal.Follow Army Recognition on Google News at this link
Croatia has procured six Bayraktar TB2 systems, assigned to the 125th Fighter Reconnaissance Squadron of the Air Force (Picture source: Croatian MoD)
Croatia has procured six Bayraktar TB2 systems, assigned to the 125th Fighter Reconnaissance Squadron of the Air Force. Colonel Andrej Tijan, squadron commander, emphasized the speed of the system’s implementation and the success of the first group of crews. Between April and August, a team of Croatian pilots and technicians completed training in Türkiye, achieving above-average results. Each aircraft is operated by two qualified pilots, in line with regulations for remotely piloted aircraft operating in controlled airspace. A second group of personnel will begin training in 2026.
Minister Anušić underlined the operational versatility of the system, which can perform combat, intelligence, and search-and-rescue missions. General Kundid noted that drones are no longer limited to support roles but are now a central element of combat power, comparable to fighter aircraft and air defense systems. He also highlighted the importance of equipping the armed forces with a range of systems, from Bayraktar-type drones to locally developed FPV drones.
The contract signed with Turkish company Baykar covers not only the delivery of the six aircraft but also a full package of capabilities: fixed and mobile control stations, training simulators, command posts, encrypted data reception and processing systems, spare parts, laser-guided munitions, and technical assistance. Turkish specialists will remain in Croatia for two years to provide support and maintenance, while additional training will take place in Türkiye. Dedicated infrastructure has also been built to accommodate the new unit, including aviation and communications facilities.
The Bayraktar TB2, developed from the TB1, is a combat drone designed by Baykar and introduced into service in 2014. Powered by a Rotax 912 engine, later replaced by the TEI-PD170 from 2018, it measures 6.5 meters in length with a wingspan of 12 meters and a maximum takeoff weight of 700 kg. It can reach a top speed of 222 km/h, an altitude of 7,620 meters, and an endurance of 27 hours, with an operational range of 150 km. The drone is equipped with electro-optical and infrared systems enabling reconnaissance and target acquisition both day and night.
In terms of armament, the TB2 carries Roketsan MAM-C and MAM-L laser-guided munitions for precision strikes, as well as UMTAS air-to-surface missiles, successfully tested in 2015. It has a payload capacity of 150 kg, allowing for the integration of different types of weapons and locally produced FPV drones. Initially fitted with Canadian L3Harris WESCAM MX-15D sensors, the platform has used the Turkish-developed Aselsan CATS system since 2020. The TB2 does not rely on heavy defensive systems; its survivability is based on tactical employment, medium-altitude flight, and operational flexibility in surveillance, strike, and support missions.
Croatian officials also emphasize the civilian applications of the system. Beyond military use, the Bayraktar TB2 can support border and coastal monitoring, wildfire detection, and search for missing persons. With its extended endurance and versatile payload, it creates opportunities for cooperation with other ministries, including Interior and Agriculture.
This acquisition reflects a broader global trend, as the Bayraktar TB2 is already in service in 37 countries, including several NATO members. Croatia thus joins the group of states that have adopted the system for its recognized capabilities in reconnaissance, electronic warfare, surveillance, and precision strike, day and night.
The presentation was described by military and political leaders as a significant step in Croatia’s modernization process. Lieutenant Colonel Andrija Tijan pointed out that what initially appeared to be a complex project was completed within a short timeframe through cooperation between the Croatian Armed Forces, the Ministry of Defense, and Baykar. For him, the introduction of the system demonstrates the ability of the armed forces to manage technically demanding projects and to strengthen their operational capacity rapidly.
The arrival of the Bayraktar TB2 in Croatia’s arsenal reflects Zagreb’s determination to modernize its armed forces through the acquisition of strategic systems. Integrated into a complete support infrastructure and reinforced by bilateral cooperation with Türkiye, these drones provide new surveillance and strike capabilities while also enabling civilian applications. This dual military and civilian role, combined with the expertise gained by Croatian crews, gives the program lasting importance for national defense and regional security.
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On 2 September 2025, Croatia took another step in the modernization of its armed forces with the official presentation of the Bayraktar TB2 unmanned aerial system. The ceremony took place at Colonel Marko Živković Barracks in Pleso, attended by Minister of Defense Ivan Anušić, Chief of the General Staff of the Armed Forces General Tihomir Kundid, Turkish Ambassador to Croatia Hayriye Nurdan Erpulat Altuntaş, and military and government representatives. This acquisition follows the arrival of Rafale fighter aircraft, further consolidating the Croatian Air Force’s arsenal.
Follow Army Recognition on Google News at this link
Croatia has procured six Bayraktar TB2 systems, assigned to the 125th Fighter Reconnaissance Squadron of the Air Force (Picture source: Croatian MoD)
Croatia has procured six Bayraktar TB2 systems, assigned to the 125th Fighter Reconnaissance Squadron of the Air Force. Colonel Andrej Tijan, squadron commander, emphasized the speed of the system’s implementation and the success of the first group of crews. Between April and August, a team of Croatian pilots and technicians completed training in Türkiye, achieving above-average results. Each aircraft is operated by two qualified pilots, in line with regulations for remotely piloted aircraft operating in controlled airspace. A second group of personnel will begin training in 2026.
Minister Anušić underlined the operational versatility of the system, which can perform combat, intelligence, and search-and-rescue missions. General Kundid noted that drones are no longer limited to support roles but are now a central element of combat power, comparable to fighter aircraft and air defense systems. He also highlighted the importance of equipping the armed forces with a range of systems, from Bayraktar-type drones to locally developed FPV drones.
The contract signed with Turkish company Baykar covers not only the delivery of the six aircraft but also a full package of capabilities: fixed and mobile control stations, training simulators, command posts, encrypted data reception and processing systems, spare parts, laser-guided munitions, and technical assistance. Turkish specialists will remain in Croatia for two years to provide support and maintenance, while additional training will take place in Türkiye. Dedicated infrastructure has also been built to accommodate the new unit, including aviation and communications facilities.
The Bayraktar TB2, developed from the TB1, is a combat drone designed by Baykar and introduced into service in 2014. Powered by a Rotax 912 engine, later replaced by the TEI-PD170 from 2018, it measures 6.5 meters in length with a wingspan of 12 meters and a maximum takeoff weight of 700 kg. It can reach a top speed of 222 km/h, an altitude of 7,620 meters, and an endurance of 27 hours, with an operational range of 150 km. The drone is equipped with electro-optical and infrared systems enabling reconnaissance and target acquisition both day and night.
In terms of armament, the TB2 carries Roketsan MAM-C and MAM-L laser-guided munitions for precision strikes, as well as UMTAS air-to-surface missiles, successfully tested in 2015. It has a payload capacity of 150 kg, allowing for the integration of different types of weapons and locally produced FPV drones. Initially fitted with Canadian L3Harris WESCAM MX-15D sensors, the platform has used the Turkish-developed Aselsan CATS system since 2020. The TB2 does not rely on heavy defensive systems; its survivability is based on tactical employment, medium-altitude flight, and operational flexibility in surveillance, strike, and support missions.
Croatian officials also emphasize the civilian applications of the system. Beyond military use, the Bayraktar TB2 can support border and coastal monitoring, wildfire detection, and search for missing persons. With its extended endurance and versatile payload, it creates opportunities for cooperation with other ministries, including Interior and Agriculture.
This acquisition reflects a broader global trend, as the Bayraktar TB2 is already in service in 37 countries, including several NATO members. Croatia thus joins the group of states that have adopted the system for its recognized capabilities in reconnaissance, electronic warfare, surveillance, and precision strike, day and night.
The presentation was described by military and political leaders as a significant step in Croatia’s modernization process. Lieutenant Colonel Andrija Tijan pointed out that what initially appeared to be a complex project was completed within a short timeframe through cooperation between the Croatian Armed Forces, the Ministry of Defense, and Baykar. For him, the introduction of the system demonstrates the ability of the armed forces to manage technically demanding projects and to strengthen their operational capacity rapidly.
The arrival of the Bayraktar TB2 in Croatia’s arsenal reflects Zagreb’s determination to modernize its armed forces through the acquisition of strategic systems. Integrated into a complete support infrastructure and reinforced by bilateral cooperation with Türkiye, these drones provide new surveillance and strike capabilities while also enabling civilian applications. This dual military and civilian role, combined with the expertise gained by Croatian crews, gives the program lasting importance for national defense and regional security.
