Kazakhstan’s officials reveal price tag of the Leyla UAV
On September 6-8, 2022, Azerbaijan hosted the international defense exhibition ADEX-22 in Baku. Kazakhstan was one of many invited countries that had something to show, including a flying target and a combat drone called Shagala M. Both unmanned aerial vehicles (UAV) have been developed by Kazakhstan Engineering for military purposes. Another device is a non-military drone called Leyla that has been developed by Barys E&T. All three aerial vehicles were developed with no public funds.
According to the Ministry of Industry and Infrastructural Development, the approximate price of Leyla is $210,000 (the price of military drones is unavailable).
«Military UAVs have been developed by the R&D center of Kazakhstan Engineering at its own expense as the company is aimed at mass production of those drones,» the ministry said.
At the same time, the authorities noted that Leyla has been designed for civilian purposes.
«Barys E&T has developed the drone on its own. The company is going to use its drone in agriculture and other non-military spheres,» the ministry said.
For instance, Leyla might be used in the oil and gas industry, for geological surveys and rescue operations.
Given that these projects are still on test; we will be able to announce the final price later. However, the approximate price of Leyla is about $210,000
Ministry of Industry and Infrustructural Development
What is the difference?
All three drones are equipped with different types of engines and launching systems. For example, the flying target has a smooth body and can fly at high altitudes with a speed of about 500 kilometers per hour for 40 minutes thanks to turbo-jet propulsion. The aerial vehicle is launched with the help of a catapult and uses a parachute for landing.
Shagala-M has an electric engine and can stay in the sky for about four hours for surveillance or combat operations.
The Leyla UAV is equipped with a combustion engine. It can fly for 11 hours at an altitude of 6,000 meters with a payload of six kilograms.
Last March the Defense Ministry of Kazakhstan announced Shagala as the first UAV developed and made in the country. So far, the Kazakhstani military has to rely on foreign devices. For instance, the armed forces of Kazakhstan use Israeli SkyLark combat drones. They can fly about three hours for a distance of 40 kilometers.
