SİHA: Armed Unmanned Aerial Vehicle
The article, published by James Marson and Brett Forrest in the Wall Street Journal, one of the leading newspapers of the USA, used the headline “Low-cost Turkish SİHAs are reshaping conflict zones and geopolitics”.
Pointing out that small armies around the world are turning to cheaper means of attack against their fully equipped enemies, the news said, “This new war tactic, which proved successful in regional conflicts last year, changed the strategic balance around Turkey and Russia.” assessment was included.
In the news, low-cost digital technology produced in Turkey has wrecked tanks, other armored vehicles and other defense systems in the wars that Russia has taken over in Syria, Libya and Azerbaijan. “These SİHAs point to a future that is at least as effective but inexpensive as high-tech but expensive combat vehicles.”
Low-cost competitor Turkish Technology compared to Israeli and US technologies
Pointing out that these aircraft, which can fly alone or in groups, have previously taken on the task of very expensive warplanes, the news said, “These SİHAs can stay in the air for 24 hours and find gaps in air defense systems, they can both help warplanes to target and launch missiles themselves. ” information was included.
In the news, which pointed out that Israel and the USA were pioneers in the SİHA sector, “Technological developments and global competitors have produced inexpensive alternatives. The latest standard bearer of the SİHA era emerged around Turkey last year and its name was Bayraktar TB2. American MQ-9′ With the TB2 4 laser-guided missile compared to the TB2, the remotely controlled equipment limit of the lighter armed TB2 is up to 200 miles.” assessment was included.
Interest of NATO countries in Turkish-made SİHAs
In the news, it was stated that Qatar and Ukraine were among the customers of Baykar, which was founded in 1984, and that NATO member Poland expressed that they wanted to buy 24 TB2 last month, and that other NATO members, African and Asian countries were also interested in these SİHAs.
The success of the drones has helped Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan increase his regional influence without risking large numbers of soldiers or expensive equipment. opinion shared.
Pointing out that Ukraine, which faced the Russian invasion of Crimea, also signed an agreement for TB2 in January 2019, the news said, “TB2 was born out of Turkey’s dissatisfaction with the current US and Israeli models and Turkey’s desire to fight the PKK with a system under its control. ” expressions were used.
SİHAs in Syria and Libya
In the news that Baykar TB2 started to attract attention in the international arena last year in Operation Spring Shield and hit the targets of the Russian-backed Syrian regime in Idlib, the news said, “Last spring, TB2s changed things for the UN-backed Tripoli-based government in the Libyan civil war. ” opinion was given.
Pointing out that Turkey sent weapons to the Libyan government in 2019 and increased its military support, it was stated that thanks to this support, Haftar’s forces were removed from Tripoli by June 2020.
Turkish SİHAs in the Nagorno-Karabakh victory
Pointing out that Turkish-made SİHAs were also effective in Azerbaijan’s Nagorno-Karabakh victory, it was reminded that the moments when Turkish SİHAs hit Armenian targets were shared on social media by the Azerbaijan Ministry of Defense.
“After about 6 weeks of conflict between Azerbaijan and Armenia, the Kremlin, which is close to both governments, brokered a ceasefire in November. Azerbaijan regained most of the lands it lost,” the report said. expression was used.
