Burkina Faso Bolsters Military with Advanced Drones from Turkey
Ouagadougou: In a significant enhancement of its military capabilities, Burkina Faso’s President Ibrahim Traoré officially presented the national armed forces with a new batch of drones on Monday, aimed at reinforcing the country’s defense mechanisms and its ongoing battle against terrorism.
According to Burkina Information Agency, this acquisition was made possible through contributions from the Burkinabè populace and marks a strategic step in the reconquest of territory by the Burkina Faso government.
During the ceremony in Ouagadougou on April 8, 2024, President Traoré, who also serves as the Captain and Head of State, transferred twelve Bayraktar TB2 and Bayraktar Akinci drones to the Ministry of Defense and Veterans. These drones, developed by a Turkish company, have been tested under rigorous conditions, proving their efficacy in combat scenarios. The President highlighted the significance of these drones, emphasizing that the Bayraktar TB2 has already demonstrated its reliability in warfare, while the newer Bayraktar Akinci exceeded expected technical capabilities.
The procurement of these drones represents a cooperative endeavor between Burkina Faso and Turkey, with President Traoré extending gratitude towards his Turkish counterpart, Recep Tayyip Erdogan, for his support during a critical phase in Burkina Faso’s history. This gesture underscores the strong bilateral relations and mutual assistance in defense and security matters between the two nations.
The Burkinabè people played a pivotal role in this acquisition, whose contributions enabled the armed forces to enhance their operational capabilities significantly. President Traoré acknowledged the collective effort and dedication of the citizens in supporting the defense sector, which now boasts increased surveillance and timely intervention capabilities thanks to the expanded drone fleet.
Brigadier General Kassoum Coulibaly, the Minister of Defense and Veterans Affairs, assured the President of the effective utilization of the new equipment. He commended the contracted personnel, primarily Burkinabè students, for their commitment and professionalism in operating the drones, contributing to the success of military operations. This acquisition aligns with the national armed forces’ Strategic Equipment Plan, indicating a continuous effort to strengthen Burkina Faso’s defense infrastructure.