Ankara — In just a few years, Selçuk Bayraktar, a visionary engineer and son-in-law of President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan, has risen to become one of the most influential figures in Turkey’s defense industry. As the head of Baykar Teknoloji, he is the main architect behind the technological revolution that has propelled Turkey into the ranks of the world’s leading drone powers.
Under his leadership, Bayraktar TB2 drones have distinguished themselves in multiple theaters of operation — from Syria to Libya, and from Nagorno-Karabakh to Ukraine — demonstrating both tactical efficiency and reliability. These achievements have strengthened Ankara’s international standing while asserting its strategic autonomy in a field long dominated by major Western powers.
Beyond the military dimension, Selçuk Bayraktar represents a new generation of Turkish engineers who combine innovation, patriotism, and technological ambition. A graduate of the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) and the University of Pennsylvania, he has put his scientific expertise at the service of a national vision: establishing Turkey as a key player in defense and aerospace technologies.
His company, Baykar, has also engaged in civil and humanitarian projects, developing drones for environmental monitoring and disaster relief operations. This approach contributes to a more balanced image of a technology often associated solely with military purposes.
On the diplomatic front, Baykar’s success has strengthened Turkey’s influence in several strategic regions, notably in Africa and Central Asia, where Ankara is building technological and security partnerships. This technological “soft power” aligns with President Erdoğan’s vision of a strong, independent, and innovative Turkey.
In sum, Selçuk Bayraktar today stands as a symbol of modern Turkey, where science and strategy converge to shape a new era of industrial autonomy and international prominence.
By Lokombe Nkalulu
Editor-in-Chief, Afriqu’Europe Magazine
