United Arab Emirates plans to purchase 120 Bayraktar TB2 UAVs and build a factory

The UAE authorities, represented by the Tawazun defense procurement agency, are negotiating with Baykar to acquire a large batch of Bayraktar TB2 combat UAVs.

This was reported by Middle East Eye, that cited two sources familiar with the negotiations.

Negotiations began in March, after it became apparent that Bayraktar TB2 were extremely effective even against powerful armies, such as the Russian Armed Forces, which have high-tech EW and powerful air defense weapons.

Arabian states are interested in a deal for 120 drones. According to sources, the contract amount could reach 2 billion dollars.

An insider said that Baykar offers aircraft for $5 million per unit and 100 MAM-L smart ammunition for each of them. Thus, the contract value of each Bayraktar TB2 with ammunition will reach $15 million.

The contract also provides for the purchase of ground control stations at the rate of one station per six aircraft. Personnel training is also included in the cost of the transaction.

If agreements can be reached, it is expected that some components of the aircraft will be produced at the Baykar factory in the UAE.

On July 25, at the congress of the ruling party of Turkey, President Recep Tayyip Erdogan stated that UAE and Vladimir Putin are interested in Baykar products.

“Putin says, “Let’s work together with Baykar.” The United Arab Emirates proposes to build a plant for the production of UAVs,” Erdogan said.

Baykar CEO Haluk Bayraktar previously said that the Russian Federation will not receive their drones for any money, since the company stands on the side of Ukraine.