Technical analysis of the integration of Bayraktar TB2 drones in Croatia: capabilities, costs, military and civilian use, and current strategic challenges.
Croatia has introduced six Bayraktar TB2 combat drones, equipped with advanced reconnaissance, surveillance, electronic warfare, and precision strike capabilities. The contract, estimated at €67 million (excluding VAT), includes technical support, training simulators, spare parts, guided munitions, and Turkish experts on site for two years. The drones, already used by 37 countries, provide the Croatian Air Force with a modern tool for military and civilian use, which will be operational by the end of September 2025. The goal is to strengthen national security, improve NATO interoperability, and diversify missions to include border surveillance, firefighting, and crisis management.
Modernizing Croatian defense: acquisition and integration
Croatia has embarked on a major reform of its defense capabilities by adopting six Bayraktar TB2 drones. This acquisition, finalized in a contract worth approximately €67 million excluding VAT, was approved by Parliament in September 2024. The complete system includes not only the drones, but also a command and control center, training simulators, ground stations, data terminals, spare parts, guided munitions, a two-year warranty, and technical support from Turkish specialists based in Croatia.
The systems were delivered before the end of July 2025, and operational testing began in August, with day and night flights covering the entire territory in accordance with national airspace regulations. The project is therefore ahead of the initial schedule, which called for full commissioning before the end of September 2025.
This deployment is part of Croatia’s ongoing modernization program, already marked by the arrival of Rafale multi-role aircraft, providing the air force with modern, powerful tools that are interoperable with NATO.
Technical capabilities of the Bayraktar TB2
The Bayraktar TB2 is an unmanned combat aerial vehicle (UCAV) designed for long-endurance missions at medium altitude. Its characteristics include:
- Length: approximately 6.5 m (12 m wingspan)
- Maximum speed: 222 km/h
- Endurance: up to 27 hours
- Operational range: 150 km
- Operational ceiling: 7,620 m
- Payload capacity: approximately 150 kg, allowing for guided munitions such as MAM-C, MAM-L, and UMTAS
It is equipped with day/night reconnaissance instruments, including electro-optical and infrared cameras, a laser designator, and electronic warfare systems.
This proven platform is used by the armed forces of 37 countries, including several NATO members. It has proven itself in recent conflicts in Ukraine, Libya, Syria, and the South Caucasus.
Civilian applications and cross-sector synergies
Beyond traditional military missions, TB2 drones are designed for a variety of civilian uses:
- Border and coastal surveillance
- Early detection of forest fires
- Search and rescue
- Data collection for agriculture or land use planning
Ministries of the interior, agriculture, and public works can thus exploit this technology. This dual purpose strengthens national resilience and maximizes the system’s return on investment.
Strategic implications and future challenges
This technical advancement has several concrete implications:
- Strengthened national security: increased surveillance, precision strikes, and improved responsiveness to hybrid threats.
- Interoperability with NATO: alignment with allied standards for joint operations.
- Rapid acquisition of operational skills: Croatian teams trained in Turkey have achieved above-average results. A second wave of training is planned for 2026.
However, several challenges remain:
- Long-term maintenance: initial phase successful but technical dependence on Turkish experts for two years.
- Internal technological integration: deployment of infrastructure and adaptation of procedures to fully exploit the potential of drones.
- Legal and ethical framework for civilian missions: ensuring respect for rights and protecting data in non-military uses.
Towards a more autonomous and versatile air force
By combining this acquisition with recent deliveries of UH-60M Black Hawks and other equipment, Croatia is positioning itself as a regional player with diversified air capabilities.
The technical expertise acquired, combined with modern infrastructure, paves the way for a Croatian air force that relies as much on effective robotic capabilities as on traditional piloted systems.
The modularity of the equipment, its dual military and civilian utility, and the strategic investment represent a turning point in Croatia’s posture, far from the limitations inherited from the Soviet-era arsenal.
War Wings Daily is an independant magazine.