Turkey’s indigenous and national unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV), AKINCI, has crashed for the first time in northern Iraq. The incident occurred around Mount Asos, near the city of Sulaymaniyah. The official cause of the crash has not yet been disclosed.

AKINCI UAV Suffers Crash Near Mount Asos

On the evening of 16 March 2025, the Baykar-manufactured Akıncı Unmanned Combat Aerial Vehicle (UCAV), which was conducting a routine flight over northern Iraq, suddenly lost altitude and crashed around Mount Asos. Initial images from the area clearly show that debris from the Akıncı UAV is scattered over a wide area.

Technical Specifications of the Akıncı UAV

As one of the most powerful aerial assets of the Turkish Armed Forces, the Akıncı UAV has the capability to stay airborne for extended periods at high altitudes. With a 1,500-kilogram payload capacity, it plays an active role in critical operations, from counter-terrorism efforts to cross-border missions.

Recent UAV Crashes Involving Turkish Drones

In recent years, Turkish-made unmanned aerial vehicles have been either targeted or have crashed in various regions. On 5 October 2023, an ANKA UAV was downed in Syria, while AKSUNGUR UAVs came under attack in Iraq and Syria on 29 August 2024 and 10 December 2024, respectively. Following these incidents, the Akıncı UCAV crashed in northern Iraq on 16 March 2025.

Turkish AKINCI unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) crashed near the town of Sulaymaniyah in northern Iraq. The cause of the accident has not yet been officially announced. #AkıncıUAV #Baykar #DefenceIndustry #UAV #TİHA #Aviation #Iraq #Security #TSK #Technology #BreakingNews pic.twitter.com/EIil80Enls

— Aero Haber (@aero_haber) March 17, 2025

Investigation into the Cause of the Crash

No official statement has been made regarding the cause of the Akıncı’s crash. Investigations are underway to determine whether it resulted from a technical malfunction or external interference. Turkish defence sources have reportedly launched a comprehensive inquiry into the incident.