Ukraine's defense minister said on Wednesday that his armed forces had received new Turkish-made Bayraktar TB2 armed drones as conflict with Russia entered its seventh day,
Middle East Eye reports.
“New Bayraktars have arrived and they are ready for combat,” Oleksii Reznikov said in a Facebook post without elaborating.
There was no immediate comment from Turkey.
Reznikov also said that Kyiv was set to receive new Stinger and Javelin missiles from foreign allies.
Ukrainian forces have been deploying Bayraktar combat drones against Russian troops since Moscow launched its special military operation on 24 February.
Ukraine and Turkey cooperate closely on defense - their relationship has flourished in recent years. The TB2's producer Baykar was building a plant in Ukraine before the recent events.
Ukrainian companies also produce the TB2's engines, and Turkey has sold more than 20 Bayraktars to Kyiv over the past two years. Some experts believe the number of TB2s in the Ukrainian arsenal could be even higher.
Last month, Ukraine and Turkey signed a series of agreements, including a deal that would expand the production capabilities of Turkish drone-maker Baykar in Ukraine.
The combat drones have become famous in recent years, appearing to play decisive roles in various conflicts, including in Libya, Syria and Nagorno-Karabakh.
