Drones: In today's time, pilotless combat drones (UCAVs) are changing the picture of the battlefield. These drones are no longer limited to just surveillance and espionage, but their role has become very important in precise attacks and that too without putting the life of any soldier at risk. These drones, once considered a technology of limited use, have now become an important part of the military strategy of every country. The demand for these fast, dangerous and autonomous platforms has increased more than ever before. Be it America's MQ-9 Reaper, Turkey's affordable but deadly Bayraktar TB2 or the new drones being developed by China and Russia—all these are determining the direction of the coming air wars.
MQ-9 Reaper
The MQ-9 Reaper developed by the US is considered the world's most effective combat drone. It can not only fly for a long time but is also capable of carrying heavy weapons. Developed as a successor to the MQ-1 Predator, this drone is an integral part of the military strength of the US and its allies.
Bayraktar TB2
Bayraktar TB2, developed by Turkey's Baykar Defense company, has become the most used military drone in modern wars. Its cost is relatively low, but its firepower is no less than any large drone. TB2 has proven its strength in areas like Syria, Libya, Nagorno-Karabakh and Ukraine. The first flight took place in 2009 and entry into service in 2014. After this, it started being counted among the most reliable and effective drones in the world.
TAI Anka
TAI Anka is a drone with much more capabilities than Bayraktar TB2. It can fly long distances and is capable of carrying heavy weapons. Initially designed for surveillance and reconnaissance, it was later equipped with weapons to make it combat-capable. The Anka-A version joined the Turkish Air Force in 2016, while the Anka-B flew in 2015 and has automatic landing facility and greater payload capacity. The Anka-S, on the other hand, is its production version that has satellite communications and the ability to add different types of weapons.
Wing Loong II
The Wing Loong II, built by China's Chengdu Aircraft Industry Group, is a medium altitude, long endurance drone. It is used for everything from intelligence gathering to precision strikes. It is an affordable alternative to the US MQ-9 and has become quite popular in the Middle East, Africa and Asia. After being first introduced in 2015, it made its first flight in 2017 and entered service the same year. Its design and capabilities are quite similar to the MQ-9, but it is a much cheaper option in terms of cost.
Kronshtadt Orion
The Kronshtadt Orion is Russia's first MALE drone that has been fully developed in the country. The Kronstadt Group began building it in 2011, and it made its first flight in 2016. It joined the Russian army in 2020. It is also known as 'Inokhodets' (meaning: slow moving).
This drone is about 26 feet long and can carry four guided bombs or missiles in a payload of up to 250 kg. Even though it has not received as much global success as other drones, its capabilities make it a list of the world's leading military drones in 2025.
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