Turkish security forces are investigating the discovery of a suspected Russian-made Orlan-10 reconnaissance drone in a rural area of northwestern Türkiye, marking the second such aerial incident reported in the country this week.

The unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) was found inactive in a field in the Çubuklubala neighborhood of Kocaeli’s İzmit district on Friday after local residents alerted authorities. Gendarmerie units swiftly secured the perimeter, restricting access as a precaution.

Initial examinations at the scene indicated the drone was intact. Specialists are working to determine whether it was downed, experienced a technical failure, or performed an emergency landing. The UAV has been moved to a secure facility for a detailed forensic and technical analysis, which will include an examination of its data storage systems, onboard cameras, and communication equipment.

A Week of Drone Incidents

This discovery follows another significant aerial event on Monday, when Turkish Air Force F-16 fighter jets intercepted and shot down an unidentified drone that violated Turkish airspace near the central province of Çankırı. The UAV had reportedly ignored repeated warnings.

While officials have not publicly connected the two events, security sources indicate that investigations are being coordinated across the Ministry of National Defense, the National Intelligence Organization (MİT), and law enforcement agencies. The proximity of the incidents—both occurring in northern regions of Anatolia within days—has intensified scrutiny of aerial security protocols.

The Orlan-10: A Capable Reconnaissance Platform

The Orlan-10 is a versatile, medium-range UAV developed for the Russian military and widely observed in use in conflict zones including Ukraine and Syria. It is known for operating in coordinated packs of two or three drones to perform integrated missions. One typically conducts visual or electronic reconnaissance, another may perform signal jamming or interception, and a third can relay information back to command centers.

The Orlan-10 is a medium-range, multi-role unmanned aerial vehicle designed primarily for reconnaissance, surveillance, electronic warfare, and target tracking. With a wingspan of 3.1 meters, it can carry a payload of up to 5.5 kilograms, and is capable of operating for up to 16 hours at a cruising speed of approximately 110 kilometers per hour, with an effective range of up to 600 kilometers.

Authorities have launched a comprehensive investigation to trace the drone’s origin, flight path, and intended purpose. The discovery raises immediate questions about whether the UAV was involved in unauthorized surveillance or if it had strayed off course from a conflict zone. Türkiye, a NATO member with a complex diplomatic relationship with Russia, maintains strict policies regarding airspace sovereignty.

Officials have assured the public there is no ongoing threat to civilian safety but reiterated that any unauthorized aerial activity is treated with the utmost seriousness. The incident underscores the broader challenges nations face from increasingly prevalent and advanced drone technology in regional skies.

Further details are expected as the technical analysis proceeds. (ILKHA)