Russian Missiles Strike Bayraktar Drone Factory Kyiv Fourth Time

The Bayraktar drone production facility near Kyiv, Ukraine, was struck by two Russian missiles in the latest of four attacks over six months, causing severe damage to the plant and disrupting preparations to begin operations. Despite ongoing conflict and previous strikes, Baykar had invested tens of millions of dollars, trained key staff, and nearly completed the production lines before the attack. The facility symbolizes significant Turkish-Ukrainian defense cooperation under a 2022 aerospace agreement that facilitates direct investment, technology transfer, and tax incentives for Turkish aerospace companies in Ukraine. Baykar's local subsidiary, LLC Avia Ventures, manages production in Kyiv and holds licenses for military import-export, making it the first foreign-founded defense company with such status in Ukraine. The Bayraktar TB2 drones produced have remained operational in the conflict, with recent Ukrainian strikes on Russian forces demonstrating their battlefield effectiveness. Baykar continues to monitor the situation closely and has pledged to provide updates as appropriate.