Saudi Arabia is set to operate the 14.7 billion Dolar Bayraktar Akıncı UCAV, involving technology transfer, local assembly and strategic impact on the balance of power in the Gulf. Saudi Arabia is set to become one of the first Gulf states to
operate the Turkish-made Bayraktar Akıncı Unmanned Combat Aerial Vehicle (UCAV), a development that analysts have described as a landmark that could change the balance of military power in the Middle East.
Arab and Turkish media reports have confirmed that Riyadh has accelerated preparations to integrate the Akıncı drones into the Royal Saudi Air Force (RSAF), with the first units expected to be delivered this year.
The move underscores Riyadh’s strategic determination to diversify its defense partners while gaining access to the most advanced unmanned aerial technology outside the United States.
The foundation for this acquisition was laid in July 2023, when Saudi Arabia signed an estimated US$3.5 billion (RM14.7 billion) deal with Baykar Technologies of Turkey to acquire the Akıncı UCAV.
The deal is the largest single defense export in Turkey’s history, cementing Baykar’s position as one of the most influential drone manufacturers in the global defense sector.
More importantly, the deal goes beyond a mere purchase contract to also include full technology transfer, joint production, and local manufacturing in Saudi Arabia.
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