In a statement reported by T24, the Interior Ministry said initial assessments indicate the craft may be a Russian-origin Orlan-10, a model used for reconnaissance and surveillance, and that inspections were continuing.
The drone was spotted by local farmer Ismail Bayhan while he was working land in the Çubuklubala neighbourhood of Izmit, in Kocaeli province. Bayhan alerted authorities, prompting security teams to cordon off the area and begin on-site examinations, local broadcaster NTV reported.
Investigators observed that the aircraft had an estimated wingspan of about 2.5 metres and a length of roughly 1.5 metres, according to the same report. The onboard camera was said to be operational when the vehicle was recovered.
Photos and preliminary observations also noted red star-like markings on the wing and tail sections, details that heightened interest in the drone’s possible provenance. Officials cautioned, however, that the definitive origin and the reason for the crash will only be determined after a full technical analysis of the airframe, electronics and data storage.
The Interior Ministry did not say where the drone may have been launched from, whether it had crossed into Turkish airspace from abroad, or whether any data had been retrieved. It also did not immediately comment on potential security implications.
Turkey, a NATO member bordering conflict-prone regions, has periodically reported sightings and interceptions of unidentified aerial platforms. Friday’s discovery adds to regional concerns about the use of small, inexpensive drones for intelligence gathering.
Authorities said the investigation in Çubuklubala remains ongoing and further information will be released as examinations are completed.
Photo: T24