Amid Iran's Loss, Turky's Akinci Drone Grabs World's Attention With Locating Crashed Copter (Photo on X Āsurā @iAsura_)

It is reported that the Turkish high-altitude, long-endurance (HALE) Akinci drone was instrumental in locating the remains of the crashed helicopter that carried and killed Iranian President Ebrahim Raisi and Foreign Minister Hossein Amir-Abdollahian and a few other top officials on Sunday, Middle East Eye reports. 

Notably, the Turkish drone”s capability has been displayed as the country”s defence industry”s advancement after its crucial role in the search operation in Iran. 

After Iran reported the hard-landing of the copter in a mountainous area of Iran”s East Azerbaijan province, the Turkish defence ministry promised assistance when dispatched the Akinci drone after the Islamic Republic requested Ankara”s help in the search and rescue operation. The adverse weather conditions have created problems in the search operation.

“Based on the request made by the Iranian authorities through our Ministry of Foreign Affairs, an Akıncı UAV and a night vision Cougar type helicopter were assigned to participate in the search and rescue activities of the crashed helicopter of the President of Iran and his delegation,” said a statement by the Turkish Ministry of National Defense on the day. 

However, the Turkish-made Akinci, capable of flying up to 40,000 feet (12,192 metres) and staying airborne for more than 24 hours, earned the reputation of assisting the Iranian team in locating the copter. It is said that Akinci has capabilities to operate in hard terrain and foggy weather.

After Akinci began its surveillance mission, the Turkish unmanned aerial vehicle reported heat sources and shared the image with the Iranian authorities. Subsequently, the rescue workers reached the spot within three hours, Middle East Eye Reported. 

Iran asked for Turkey”s help to dispatch the UAV knowing its capabilities in bad weather. Reports say that the country asked for help as it does not possess equipment in its arsenal that can effectively operate in adverse weather conditions.

However, with the performance of the Turkish drone, Akinci has grabbed the headlines, attracting the attention of the nations. Many in social media claimed it to be Ankara”s proud moment that even Iran had to ask them to locate the chopper. After the mission, the Akıncı portrayed Turkey’s national symbol during its flight path above Lake Van, as a show of strength.