Romanian Land Forces initiated the reception procedures of the first Bayraktar TB2 system

The Romanian Land Forces initiated, this week, the qualitative and quantitative reception procedures of the first Bayraktar TB2 unmanned aircraft system.

At the end of this stage, estimated for the end of this month or the beginning of next month, Romanian pilots will be able to perform the first training flights with Bayraktar TB2 aircraft - which will have the Romanian Armed Forces insignia, the tricolor cockade on the wings and will be registered as Romanian state-owned aircraft, which will mark the official entry into the service of this capability.

A media event to showcase the Romanian Armed Forces’ new equipment will be organized after the completion of all reception procedures and will be announced in due time.

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The acquisition of Bayraktar TB2 unmanned aircraft systems (UAS) contributes to the achievement of the objectives of the Romanian Armed Forces’ Transformation Program throughout 2040 and aims at implementing our country’s Capability Targets within the NATO defence planning process.


The entering into service of these systems contributes to building flexible force structures, with a wide range of capabilities specific to the 21st century, with means to ensure their survival in the tactical field, an extended situational awareness and an increased firepower.


The standard configuration of a Bayraktar TB2 unmanned aircraft system (UAS) comprises six unmanned aircraft onboard and the related command and control equipment.


The air-to-ground missions and bombing demonstrated the strike and reconnaissance & surveillance capabilities as well as the multiple tasks that can be performed by the Bayraktar TB2 system.

This type of unmanned aircraft have proven their effectiveness during combat missions, the main advantages being the long flight endurance - up to 24 hours, depending on the load, and the possibility of surveillance of an extended area, due to the equipment onboard. At the same time, the striking capabilities were demonstrated through the real air-to-ground missions and bombings.

At the beginning of August 2022, the Ministry of National Defence requested the Parliament's approval for the purchase of three Bayraktar TB2 unmanned aircraft systems (UAS) –each system consisting in six aircraft – that will equip the Romanian Land Forces. The total cost will amount to approximately 321 million dollars, including the support package (with related ammunition, initial logistical support, and specific training equipment).

In April 2023, the purchase contract was signed, the delivery dates being scheduled for June 2024, September 2024, and January 2025.

According to the Capability Development Plan, period of this year, the training of the first team of aeronautical personnel took place in Turkey over February-June this year, simultaneously with the performance of the acceptance, testing and reception activities of the technical equipment.

Today's complex regional and global security environment, the evolution of the geostrategic situation in the Black Sea region in the context of Russia's war of aggression in Ukraine and NATO's efforts to strengthen the allied posture on the eastern flank require the enhancement of the combat capability of the MoND structures.

In this context, the Romanian military will continue to procure modern, state-of-the-art, highly technological military equipment, which will provide for the necessary capabilities to fulfill the missions and commitments undertaken within NATO.

The Press Office