Bayraktar TB2, Turkey's first original and domestically made UCAV (Unmanned combat aerial vehicle), successfully completed 400,000 flight hours, setting a new record. This was another important milestone for Turkish aviation and thus, making Bayraktar TB2 the longest-serving national aircraft in the sky.

The man behind the development of the Turkish drone industry, Ozdemir Bayraktar planted the seeds of the country’s success 20 years ago.

"The pioneer of National Technology Initiative and locally produced drones and our guide Ozdemir Bayraktar, passed away at the age of 72," the company said in a statement.

Goal is to develop armed drones that can take off, land on aircraft carriers with short runways, says Turkish president