Türkiye comments on future of Bayraktar plant in Kyiv after Russian strikes
Photo: Haluk Bayraktar, CEO of Bayraktar (Getty Images)
The building of the Baykar drone manufacturing plant in Ukraine will continue despite Russian strikes, said Baykar CEO Haluk Bayraktar in an interview with Ukrinform.
On the night of August 29, Russian forces struck the Bayraktar drone factory in Kyiv for the fourth time in the past six months.
"First and foremost, this attack is yet another reminder of the brutality that the Ukrainian people courageously face every day," Bayraktar emphasized.
He said his top priority remains the safety of Ukrainians and noted that no one was injured in the attack.
"Steel, concrete, and buildings can be rebuilt. What truly matters is our will and faith in this project. No missile can harm our friendship," the Baykar CEO stated.
According to him, the Russian attack has not changed the company's plans. After assessing the damage, construction continues according to schedule.
Baykar plant in Ukraine
In July 2022, then–Prime Minister Denys Shmyhal announced that an agreement with Türkiye was being prepared to allow the construction of a Bayraktar plant in Ukraine.
Baykar later received production licenses from Türkiye to manufacture Bayraktar TB2 and Akıncı in Ukraine.
Baykar CEO Haluk Bayraktar previously said that the plant in Ukraine is expected to open in 2025, with planned investments totaling $95.5 million.
In July 2023, Baykar began building the drone production facility in Ukraine. According to the plans, the plant's annual output will exceed 100 drones.
RBC-Ukraine earlier reported that the Bayraktar factory of the Turkish company Baykar Makina will become fully operational in Ukraine after the war with Russia ends.
