The Evolution of Unmanned Aerial Systems in 2024: Turkey's Export Leadership and Global Military Applications

Abstract

Unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) and armed unmanned aerial vehicles (UCAVs) technologies have developed at a remarkable pace across the world in 2024. These developments had an impact not only in the military domain, but also in economic and strategic areas. The aim of this research is to reveal the significant changes in the field of UAVs and UCAVs during 2024 and their impact on the world.

This study goes beyond the technical focus of the existing literature and sheds light on multidimensional developments such as increased production, examples of use in wars and international cooperation. In this respect, it aims to make an original contribution by addressing the issue from a broader perspective. In the following sections of the study, Turkey's export successes achieved by Baykar are presented first, followed by an examination of how Ukraine has emphasized UAVs in its war strategy. New generation projects developed by Turkey, such as the Anka-3, are introduced, and finally, the partnership agreement with Italy within the scope of international cooperation is evaluated.