The Bayraktar TB2 tactical drone named as Hawk by the choice of the Lithuanian public has been presented to the community and will be soon transferred to the fighters in Ukraine. People of Lithuania who crowdfunded the purchase were able to take a glimpse at the combat drone, later donated to Lithuania by Türkiye, at a presentation event on July 6 at the Lithuanian Air Force Base.
“One piece of armament is not enough to win a war, however, symbols are vital in any war,” Minister of National Defence Arvydas Anušauskas said at the event. According to him, the transfer procedure would have taken much longer in regular conditions but now the UAV will be delivered to Ukraine on no notice.
After the Government of the Republic of Lithuania takes the decision on the transfer of the Bayraktar TB2LR donated by Türkiye to Ukraine with full ammunition, it will be taken to Ukraine by the Lithuanian Air Force just like it was brought from Türkiye.
“Actions speak louder than words. We wish this example set by the Lithuania to inspire other nations too,” said Ambassador of Ukraine to Lithuania HE Petro Beshta.
Haluk Bayraktar, CEO of Baykar, was present at the event alongside Minister and Ambassador, seeing off the combat drone before the transfer to Ukraine and initiator of the fundraiser campaign Andrius Tapinas delivered an address remotely.
The Bayraktar TB2 tactical drone in full standard configuration was agreed to be donated by Türkiye to Lithuania for transfer to Ukraine in early June. The Ministry of National Defence bought missiles for it and the shipment was brought to the Lithuanian Air Force Base in Šiauliai.
Baykar, a manufacturer of Türkiye, gave the latest configuration Bayraktar TB2 to Lithuania free of charge inspired by the successful charitable fundraising by Lithuanian citizens. The Ministry of National Defence bought missiles with EUR 1.5 million of the donated EUR 5.9 million.
Video credits: Sgt Spc 1st Class Lukas Kalvaitis
