The K2 Kamikaze unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) is a next-generation loitering and strike platform indigenously developed by Türkiye’s Baykar Tech.
The system was first unveiled in March 2026, when five of Baykar Tech’s UAVs launched from the Keşan Flight Training and Test Centre and completed multi-sortie trials over the Gulf of Saros across two days.
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The K2 was then shown publicly for the first time at SAHA 2026 on 5–9 May.
K2 Kamikaze UAV design and features
The K2 Kamikaze UAV measures 5.1m (16.7ft) in length and 2.1m in height, with a wingspan of 10m.
It has a service ceiling of 10,000ft and is designed to operate up to 8,000ft, with a payload capacity of 200kg. The UAV is the largest platform in its class, with an 800kg maximum take-off weight.
The platform is equipped with advanced AI and autonomy algorithms. It is designed for autonomous taxi, take-off, cruise and landing, and it can also support operations from short, unimproved strips.
The K2 Kamikaze UAV also features autonomous emergency management in the event of thrust loss and is capable of coordinate-based dive attack and visual target dive attack.
Additionally, the aircraft is equipped with an electro-optical/infrared (EO/IR) gimbal.
Communications suite
The communications suite supports both line-of-sight and beyond line-of-sight (LOS/BLOS) connectivity, with an advertised LOS range above 100km and BLOS offered as an option.
The system also supports datalink with Baykar Tech’s TB2, TB3 and AKINCI platforms.
Engine and performance
Propulsion for the K2 Kamikaze UAV is provided by a 100-horsepower internal combustion engine.
The UAV has an operational range beyond 2,000km and endurance of more than 13 hours with a cruise speed of 70 knots true air speed (KTAS) and a maximum speed of 110KTAS.
Mission capabilities
The K2 Kamikaze UAV is a flexible battlefield asset combining swarm employment, precision strike and a navigation architecture intended to remain effective in electronic warfare conditions.
Key advanced functions include Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS) independent position estimation through visual matching and adaptive route generation based on environmental conditions.
The K2 Kamikaze UAV can estimate its position by visually matching terrain features using its gimbal camera and a night-vision-capable camera mounted on the underside of the fuselage, allowing continued autonomous progress towards a target without GNSS signals.
The EO/IR gimbal supports reconnaissance and surveillance and enables accurate target acquisition through visual lock-on, while the aircraft also supports coordinate-based precision strike.
The operational reach and flexibility of the UAV is further extended by its LOS and optional BLOS satellite datalinks.
Trials and flight demonstrations
During the trial flights in March 2026, the K2 Kamikaze, along with other UAVs, demonstrated “right echelon”, “line” and “V” formations, with onboard AI, sensors and software enabling each vehicle to identify its position within the swarm and hold formation accurately.
Baykar has also highlighted the K2’s ability to perform additional arrangements such as the “Turan” and “wall” formations.
In April 2026, a further demonstration at Keşan presented AI-enabled swarm autonomy alongside GNSS-independent navigation, automatic target detection and strike functionality.
The programme’s goal is to deliver a high-impact capability that can be produced in volume at relatively low cost, reducing reliance on expensive munitions while enabling cost-effective engagement of high-value targets.
