Royal Saudi Navy Prepares to Deploy AKINCI UCAV Following Crew Graduation

The Royal Saudi Naval Forces have graduated 15 pilots and 15 technicians trained to operate Baykar’s AKINCI unmanned combat aircraft in Türkiye. The course supports a 2023 Saudi agreement covering AKINCI systems, training, logistics and support for both air-force and naval users, although official quantities, price and delivery timing remain undisclosed. With long endurance and a payload of up to 1,500 kilograms, the aircraft could support maritime surveillance and precision-strike missions, but Saudi Arabia has not publicly confirmed an operational deployment date or assigned mission set.