Baykar and EDGE Join Forces to Equip Baykar’s Drones with Precision Munitions, Enhancing Capabilities

In a significant step forward for unmanned aerial systems (UAS) capabilities, Turkey's Baykar and the United Arab Emirates-based EDGE have entered a strategic partnership to integrate advanced munitions on Baykar’s drones. The agreement was signed at the Saha Expo 2024 in Istanbul, emphasizing Turkey’s growing role in the defense technology arena and the potential of regional collaborations in advancing precision-guided solutions for military operations.  

Strengthening Capabilities with EDGE Munitions

Under the agreement, Baykar will integrate EDGE’s cutting-edge guided munitions and payloads into its range of drones, including the widely known Bayraktar TB2, renowned for its effectiveness in several global conflicts. EDGE, based in the UAE, will play a supportive role, providing technical assistance in design, manufacturing, and additional support for these munitions. This collaboration not only enhances the performance of Baykar’s drones but also addresses rising market demands for more versatile, high-performance UAV solutions. EDGE Managing Director and CEO, Hamad Al Marar, expressed the partnership’s importance, emphasizing that it enables both firms to “respond swiftly to evolving market demands” while showcasing the effectiveness of Turkey’s defense ecosystem.

The Desert Sting DS-16 and More: Technical Advancements

One of the first integrations is EDGE’s Desert Sting DS-16, a precision-guided munition that stands out due to its advanced targeting capabilities. The DS-16 weighs 28 kilograms (62 pounds) and can reach a range of 15 kilometers (9.3 miles) with exceptional accuracy. Its guidance system incorporates a mix of global navigation satellite systems (GNSS) and a semi-active laser, making it capable of striking targets with a high degree of precision. The DS-16 also comes with a 12-kilogram (26.5 pounds) warhead, allowing it to inflict significant damage on targeted areas, and adds considerable capability to Baykar’s drones, particularly the Bayraktar TB2.

EDGE also produces other Desert Sting variants, including the DS-25. This model is slightly heavier at 36 kilograms (79 pounds) and offers similar GNSS capabilities, optimized for different mission requirements. Another notable munition from EDGE’s arsenal is the RASH-3H. Weighing in at 33 kilograms (73 pounds), the RASH-3H boasts an impressive speed of 685 kilometers per hour (425 miles per hour) and can reach altitudes of up to 25,000 feet (7,620 meters). This versatility in EDGE’s munitions lineup gives Baykar’s drones a broader array of options for different mission profiles and terrains, enhancing the range and lethality of unmanned operations.

Market-Driven and Strategic Focus

The collaboration between Baykar and EDGE demonstrates a proactive approach to supply chain security and meets the growing demand for UAVs equipped with modular, high-precision weaponry. As the geopolitical landscape evolves, the ability to quickly adapt and deploy advanced solutions is crucial. The integration of EDGE’s munitions into Baykar’s UAVs positions both companies at the forefront of modern drone warfare technology, offering a faster response to market needs.

The current partnership builds on a framework agreement from January, which set the stage for integrating additional munitions onto Baykar’s platforms. Moving forward, both companies aim to establish a robust supply chain, allowing for the streamlined production and deployment of munitions.

Future Potential in Regional Defense Cooperation

This partnership also highlights the strategic importance of collaboration between Turkish and Emirati defense companies. By combining Baykar’s UAV manufacturing expertise with EDGE’s munitions technology, the two firms are setting a precedent for regional partnerships in defense technology. The cooperation underscores a trend in defense industries: working closely with reliable allies and pooling resources to build technologically advanced solutions.

With Baykar’s drones increasingly sought after for various defense operations worldwide, the addition of EDGE’s precision-guided munitions will likely enhance their appeal and utility further. As these UAV platforms become more versatile and powerful, their market demand is expected to grow, driving the Baykar-EDGE collaboration to continue innovating in response to dynamic operational needs.