The Arab Defense website – September 28, 2025: Media reports revealed that the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia is preparing to introduce the attacking “Bayrakdar Akinji” aircraft, manufactured in Türkiye, to its air fleet. These aircraft are expected to be equipped with advanced cruise missiles, advanced radar systems, electronic warfare equipment, as well as high -speed ammunition, which enhances Saudi Arabia’s capabilities in the field of pathways and strategic attacks.
In a strategic move to enhance its defensive capabilities, the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia concluded in 2023 transactions with Türkiye to buy the “Bayrakdar Akinji” aircraft, one of the latest Turkish drones. The value of the deal is estimated at about $ 3 billion, making it one of the largest arms deals in the history of defense cooperation between the two countries.
The Baykar Defense, the Baykar Defense, said that it had signed the “largest export contract for it” with Riyadh on July 18, 2023, but it did not reveal the value of the contract or any information about the number of drones that will be delivered to the Middle East.
The Bayrakdar Akinji plane features advanced capabilities that make it among the world’s leading drones. Its wing is 20 meters long, its total length is 12.2 meters, and its height is 4.1 meters. It can fly at a height of up to 40,000 feet, with a flight of up to 24 hours. She has the ability to carry a load of up to 1350 kg, allowing it to carry out various offensive and exploratory tasks. It was equipped with advanced radar systems, electronic warfare equipment, cruise missiles, and ammunition that exceeds sound, which enhances its effectiveness in carrying out accurate military operations.
The Turkish “Bayrakdar Akinji” plane is one of the most advanced drones in the world, as it is equipped with an active electronic (ASA) active production, which enhances its intelligence capabilities and its ability to define and track goals with high accuracy. The plane bears a wide range of advanced weapons, including “Smart Micro Munitions” (MICRO MINITIONS “(MICRO MCROTIONS” (MERLINS) and “Merlin” and “Peregrine” air-to-air missiles.
Actinji also has the ability to launch a variety of homemade munitions, most notably the “SOM-FF Missile” missile (SOM), which is 150 km, which gives it a distant and effective offensive capacity. Last year, the plane made a qualitative achievement by launching the first surface-to-surface-to-surface missile in Turkey, which is the “TRG-23-IHA” missile, which hit a target more than 100 km, which made Akenji the only plane in the world is currently able to launch the high-speed ballistic balls.
Akinji also underwent a series of microscopic shooting tests, using new generation guidance systems, as she managed to drop the “MK-83” bomb weighing 1000 lb (455 kg) equipped with Gökçe router, with high accuracy. It also conducted successful tests using laser guidance equipment developed by the company “Asilsan”, to strike targets using “MK-82” bombs, stressing its combat efficiency in various environments.
Moreover, the plane can work in full coordination with other fighters such as F-16 Fighting Falcon, or playing the role of the host of attacks by suicide drones such as “alpagu”, where it has the ability to spread and control these aircraft, which makes “Akinji” a multi-use platform that combines reconnaissance and attack simultaneously.
It should be noted that the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia is not limited to buying these aircraft, but also seeks to transfer related technology. By 2026, it is expected that more than 70% of the Aquinji aircraft in the Kingdom, in cooperation with the Turkish company “Baikar”, will be produced, which enhances local industrial capabilities in the field of drones.
This deal is part of the Kingdom’s strategy to develop its defense capabilities and enhance military cooperation with Türkiye, which contributes to achieving security and stability in the region.
The Saudi article appeared preparing to add the Turkish -made “Akinji” aircraft to its fleet first on the Arab defense site.
