Baykar, the Turkish defense firm that has shaken up the global market for armed drones, plans to more than double its production capacity, Ahval reported.

The company will make more unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) next year than it did in all previous years, including 500 of its signature TB2 drones, Chief Executive Officer Haluk Bayraktar told the state-run Anadolu Agency in an interview.

“Turkey is seeking to expand its arms industry to challenge Israel as the region’s biggest seller of weapons. The production of drones was once the reserve of defense contractors in Turkey’s Mediterranean neighbor and the United States. Baykar drones have gained traction and fame in global markets through their success in conflicts in countries such as Ukraine, Syria, and Azerbaijan,” Ahval added.

“Baykar has produced more than 400 Bayraktar TB2 and 20 Bayraktar Akinci drones since its foundation. It has an annual capacity to manufacture 200 Bayraktar TB2s but will raise production next year to 500 TB2s and 40 of the Akinci drones, Bayraktar said at a technology event in the northeast city of Samsun,” Ahval reported.

“The firm is now exporting drones to more than 24 countries. The sales abroad make up 98 percent of its revenue, he said,” Ahval informed.