Date: Issue 125 - August 2023 Update: November 02, 2024
Defence Turkey: Could you briefly discuss the development of the Gendarmerie UAV Division in Türkiye? What can you tell us about the development process and history from its establishment to today?
Colonel Hüseyin ÖZKAN: The foundations of the Gendarmerie General Command's UAV Systems were laid in 2009 within the Gendarmerie Intelligence Department. In response to the need for professional UAV management, the UAV and Mobile Support Branch Office was established in 2009. Initially, Fixed-Wing Mini UAV Systems were procured. Subsequently, to fulfill the aerial close reconnaissance needs under various day/night conditions, Mini/Micro/Nano UAVs and Simple Drones were procured and added to the inventory over the years.