The NATO Support and Procurement Agency (NSPA) and BAYKAR have officially signed a significant contract to enhance Poland’s military capabilities with the provision of comprehensive logistical and service support for the Bayraktar TB2 Uncrewed Combat Aerial Vehicle (UCAV) fleet. A formal contract signing ceremony took place in Istanbul, marking a key milestone in strengthening NATO and Poland’s defence collaboration. This contract, established in coordination with Poland’s Armed Forces Support Inspectorate (AFSI), will ensure the maintenance, operability, and availability of Poland’s Bayraktar TB2 Uncrewed Combat Aerial Vehicle s. The agreement covers a three-year period with the possibility of two additional years of extension, underscoring the commitment of both parties to long-term support.
“This Outline Agreement supports a vital component of Poland’s defence modernization strategy. Additionally, the framework has been designed with the view to accommodate other Bayraktar TB2 user nations as required. This is another example of NSPA’s role in supporting NATO allies by offering adaptable and sustainable logistics solutions that can benefit one nation today and other nations in the future,” said Ms Stacy Cummings, NSPA General Manager.
As Poland continues its Uncrewed Aerial Systems (UAS) expansion plan, the contract will play a vital role in sustaining these systems, ensuring high performance and reliability for critical missions. NSPA is providing a comprehensive life cycle management solution to Poland, reinforcing its position as NATO’s lead organisation for multinational acquisition, support and sustainment. Speaking at the ceremony, senior representatives from both NSPA and BAYKAR expressed their enthusiasm for the growing partnership and their shared commitment to enhancing the operational readiness of the Polish Armed Forces. This contract signifies a crucial step forward in NATO’s efforts to strengthen its eastern flank and enhance collective defence capabilities within the Alliance.
The Bayraktar TB2 is a medium-altitude long-endurance (MALE) unmanned combat aerial vehicle (UCAV) capable of remotely controlled or autonomous flight operations. It is manufactured by the Turkish company Baykar Makina Sanayi ve Ticaret A.Ş., primarily for the Turkish Armed Forces. The aircraft are monitored and controlled by an aircrew in a ground control station, including weapons employment. Turkey has used the drone extensively in strikes on Kurdistan Workers’ Party (PKK) and People’s Protection Units (YPG) targets in Iraq and Syria. Bayraktar drones were later deployed by a number of other nations around the world in various wars, such as by Azerbaijan in the Second Nagorno-Karabakh War, by the Armed Forces of Ukraine during the Russian invasion of Ukraine, as well as by the Ethiopian National Defense Force during the Tigray War.
