In our ever-evolving world, warfare is seeing a transformation with drones taking center stage. Today, 48 countries engage drones for armed missions without deploying soldiers across borders. Capable of long-duration flights and precision strikes, Medium Altitude Long Endurance (MALE) drones such as the American MQ-9 Reaper and Turkish Bayraktar TB2 have become pivotal in global warfare. Turkey has outpaced the USA and China, emerging as the leading exporter of armed drones worldwide.
Why This Matters
Drones have redefined the nature of warfare, permitting strikes across borders without putting soldiers at risk. Insights from dronewars.net reveal that Turkey, since 2021, has supplied armed MALE drones to at least 28 nations, outperforming the combined exports of China (14), the USA (6), and Iran (3). The Bayraktar TB2 operates in Europe, Africa, the Middle East, and Central Asia, signaling a shift in the global defense supply chain where new regional powers are shaping military tactics.
Source: aajtak
The rise in the use of MALE drones is significant. These drones can fly for over 24 hours, executing precise strikes. Bayraktar TB2, Wing Loong, and MQ-9 Reaper are no longer reserved for major powers alone. By March 2025, 48 nations had acquired armed MALE drones. While early adopters like the USA (2001) and Israel (2004) developed their systems, most countries rely on imports.
Since 2021, Turkey has supplied drones to 28 nations, including new operators like Kenya, Bangladesh, and Kosovo. China's exports primarily target 14 African and Middle Eastern countries. Only a few nations such as Iran, Israel, China, Turkey, and the USA have indigenously developed MALE drones, with others heavily relying on foreign suppliers. Countries like Ukraine, Morocco, and Ethiopia utilizing drones from diverse sources highlight a trend towards mixed inventories.
Source: aajtak
The Ascending Power of Turkey
Turkey has not only become a leading drone supplier but also a pioneer in military innovation. At the start of 2025, Turkey's TB3 drone successfully launched and landed on its first aircraft carrier, TCG Anadolu. NATO views Turkey as a key defense ally, especially amid rising tensions with Russia. The proliferation of armed drones reflects not just increased hardware but also a shift in military strategies, with drones becoming integral to modern warfare.
