Kuwait has received its first Bayraktar TB2 tactical unmanned aerial systems from Turkey, marking the delivery with a launch ceremony at Ali Al Salem Air Base.The inauguration followed the Middle Eastern country’s investment of $367 million in the fleet to expand its military’s autonomous airborne capabilities for strike missions, reconnaissance, maritime and border monitoring, and search and rescue.Terms include the shipment of critical sustainment and logistical packages.The Ali Al Salem event involved a technical briefing that showcased the platforms’ performance, a report from the state Kuwait Times said.It concluded with a live demonstration and a tour by attending government officials of operating and readiness centers, with Kuwaiti Bayraktar teams meeting with the officials.Kuwait’s acquisition of Ankara’s proven Bayraktar makes the nation the 29th country to operate the platform.Before this foreign military sale, the drone had already seen combat in Ukraine’s war with Russia. It has also been used in conflicts in Syria, Libya, and Azerbaijan.The Bayraktar TB2 SystemTurkey’s Bayraktar TB2 has a length of 7 meters (23 feet) and a wingspan of 12 meters (39 feet).It contains GPS receivers, a laser pointer and range finder, electro-optical and infrared cameras, and a 100-horsepower internal combustion engine.The aircraft has a top speed of 120 knots (222 kilometers/138 miles per hour) and can sustain flight operations for up to 27 hours.Bayraktar TB2 has a range of 150 kilometers (93 miles) and a service ceiling of 8,230 meters (27,001 feet).In February, the Kuwait Air Force completed initial tests of the Bayraktar in the Kisah region.The post Kuwait Launches Turkey-Made Bayraktar Combat Drones appeared first on The Defense Post.