For the second consecutive day, we are tracking a Turkish Air Force Bayraktar Akıncı UAV (c/s VATOZ-21) monitoring the progress of the Global Sumud Flotilla heading towards Gaza.
The Bayraktar Akıncı is a high-altitude, long-endurance (HALE) unmanned combat aerial vehicle (UCAV) developed by Baykar. It is capable of operating at altitudes of over 40,000 ft, carrying a payload of up to 1,500 kg including precision-guided munitions, and conducting intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance (ISR) as well as strike missions over long distances.
The Turkish drone is operating southeast of Crete, where it has been orbiting for over six hours. It is worth recalling that in 2010 a Turkish flotilla bound for Gaza to deliver humanitarian aid was intercepted by the Israeli Navy, resulting in 10 deaths.
What is „Ankara‘s“ Benefit for monitoring a group of selfproclaimed philanthropists?
Questions upon Questions…
Any Ideas?
Why does Turkey operate drones under Italian ADSB identifier codes?
I wouldn’t rely too much on the ICAO code — it’s often incorrect or sometimes a fake one is used.