Turkey’s Baykar unveiled on 14 March its new K2 kamikaze drone, a self-developed unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) incorporating advanced artificial intelligence (AI) systems and autonomous swarm flight capabilities. The new system made its public debut after successfully completing recent tests aimed at demonstrating its coordinated performance in group operations.
The project is part of the company’s strategy to develop low-cost, highly effective attack drones designed to neutralise critical targets with greater operational flexibility. During trials at the Keşan flight test and training centre in northwest Türkiye, several prototypes flew in formation over the Gulf of Saros – north of the Gallipoli Peninsula – executing coordinated manoeuvres thanks to advanced AI and autonomy algorithms, Baykar said in a statement.
One of the most prominent features of the new system is its AI swarm flight capability, which allows multiple aircraft to coordinate their position and maintain complex formations automatically. During the tests, ‘line’, ‘V’ and ‘right echelon’ flight configurations were performed, with each drone adjusting its trajectory according to data transmitted by the rest of the group.
The K2 kamikaze drone is designed for long-range missions and can carry a substantial explosive payload intended to destroy strategic targets. According to official information released by the Turkish company, the drone has a maximum take-off weight of 800 kilograms and can carry an explosive payload of 200 kilograms, having a range of over 2,000 kilometres for attack missions. Its speed exceeds 200 km/h and it has a flight range of 13 hours.
The drone is notable for its use of AI and swarm technology
Another of the system’s outstanding features is its AI-based navigation, designed to operate even in environments where satellite positioning signals may be blocked or interfered with. Thanks to EO/IR (electro-optical and infrared) camera systems and observation sensors, the drone can identify terrain, locate targets and maintain its trajectory without relying solely on global navigation satellite systems.
The new model can also take off from short or unprepared runways, extending its deployment possibilities in complex operational scenarios. Baykar also noted that the K2 concept aims to provide “kamikaze platforms” capable of precise strikes at lower cost than more sophisticated weapon systems.
The company also indicated that future phases of the programme are looking at developing reusable variants, capable of returning to base after completing the mission or after releasing their payload. The aim is to combine the kamikaze drone philosophy with greater operational and logistical efficiency in combat missions.
The unveiling of the new kamikaze drone with AI K2 comes at a time when Baykar has consolidated its position as the world’s largest military drone manufacturer for the third consecutive year. The Turkish company, known for world-famous UAVs such as the Bayraktar TB2, also plans to start this year the serial production of its new state-of-the-art combat drone, the Bayraktar Kızılelma, a jet-powered unmanned combat aerial vehicle capable of taking off from aircraft carriers.
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Pablo Gómez is a specialist in Turkey and has been editor-in-chief of Hispanatolia since 2011. He has been analysing current affairs and geopolitics in Turkey and the surrounding region since 2006.
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