Turkey’s domestically produced TB2 drones are rapidly altering the military balance in the region following Azerbaijan’s decisive victory over Armenia in Karabakh, according to an article published by a U.K.-based news website.
The Guardian’s article, titled “UK wants new drones in wake of Azerbaijan military success,” outlines the crucial role played by Turkish drones in Azerbaijan winning the war in Karabakh.
“Defense officials believe that Azerbaijan’s use of cheaper Turkish drones in the six-week autumn war was crucial in defeating the Armenians, forcing them to cede control of territory in the disputed Caucasus region,” the report reads.
Turkish drones, manufactured by Baykar Makina, cost between $1 million to 2$ million each, while the British army is said to spend over $20 million one one drone alone.
According to the report, the UK’s military is expected to emulate Turkey’s success as it embarks on a new armed drone program with a focus on “cheaper and more effective” unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV)s after Azerbaijan’s victory in Karabakh.
The report also cites a quote by Ben Wallace, the U.K. defense secretary, who said that Turkish TB2 drones were an example of how other countries were now “leading the way.”
Relations between the ex-Soviet republics of Azerbaijan and Armenia have been tense since 1991, when the Armenian military occupied Nagorno-Karabakh, also known as Upper Karabakh, a territory recognized as part of Azerbaijan, and seven adjacent regions.
When fresh clashes erupted on Sept. 27, the Armenian army launched attacks on civilians and Azerbaijani forces and violated several humanitarian cease-fire agreements.
During the 44-day conflict, Azerbaijan liberated several cities and nearly 300 settlements and villages from Armenian occupation.
On Nov. 10, the two countries signed a Russian-brokered agreement to end fighting and work toward a comprehensive resolution.
The truce is seen as a victory for Azerbaijan and a defeat for Armenia, whose armed forces have been withdrawing in line with the agreement.
