In a landmark achievement for global aviation, the Bayraktar TB3, a domestically developed unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) by Turkey’s Baykar, has successfully completed 100 sorties aboard the TCG Anadolu, the Turkish Navy’s flagship amphibious assault ship. This milestone marks the TB3 as the world’s first armed UAV (SİHA) capable of fully autonomous takeoff and landing operations from a short-deck naval vessel. The latest tests, conducted between May 28 and June 2, 2025, also showcased the UAV’s advanced artificial intelligence (AI)-powered, image-based autonomous takeoff and landing systems, further solidifying its position as a game-changer in naval and unmanned aviation.
A New Era in Naval Aviation
The Bayraktar TB3’s achievement aboard the TCG Anadolu represents a historic leap in military technology, positioning Turkey as a leader in naval drone operations. The UAV’s ability to autonomously take off from and land on a short-deck vessel like the TCG Anadolu—a multi-purpose amphibious assault ship—sets a global precedent. The completion of 100 sorties, which included both takeoff and landing operations, demonstrates the platform’s reliability and operational readiness for real-world naval missions.
During the most recent tests, conducted in the waters off Muğla’s Aksaz Naval Base, the TB3 showcased its cutting-edge AI-driven capabilities. These tests focused on the UAV’s image-based autonomous systems, which enable precise operations in challenging naval environments. Key features tested included visual runway tracking, ship detection, runway identification, and ground-based visual estimation of landing angles. These advancements allow the TB3 to execute fully autonomous operations with minimal human intervention, a critical capability for naval missions where precision and reliability are paramount.
The TB3 prototypes, identified as PT-3 and PT-4, performed flawlessly during these trials. Following the successful completion of the tests, both UAVs flew from the TCG Anadolu, stationed off Aksaz, to Baykar’s Flight Training and Test Center in Keşan, demonstrating their operational range and endurance.
A Record of Endurance and Versatility
The Bayraktar TB3 has logged an impressive 1,167 hours and 8 minutes of flight time across 709 sorties as part of its ongoing test program. A standout moment in its development came on December 20, 2023, when the TB3 completed a 32-hour continuous flight, covering a distance of 5,700 kilometers. This endurance test underscored the UAV’s ability to undertake long-range missions, a critical asset for maritime operations.
Powered by the domestically developed TEI PD-170 engine, the TB3 achieved another milestone on June 25, 2024, reaching an altitude of 36,310 feet. This high-altitude capability, combined with its foldable wing design, makes the TB3 uniquely suited for operations from naval platforms, where space is at a premium.
Showcasing Firepower at DENİZKURDU-2025
The TB3’s capabilities were prominently displayed during the DENİZKURDU-2025 naval exercise on May 14, 2025, during the Distinguished Observer Day in the Mediterranean Sea. In a demonstration of its offensive prowess, two TB3 units (PT-3 and PT-4) took off sequentially from the TCG Anadolu and executed a dual salvo strike using MAM-L munitions, produced by Roketsan, against land-based targets. The strikes achieved pinpoint accuracy, highlighting the UAV’s precision and its ability to operate in coordinated multi-drone missions.
Leading up to the exercise, the TB3 underwent rigorous testing and preparation. Between April 22 and 25, 2025, the UAV conducted successful sorties in the Saros Gulf, further validating its naval integration. On May 11, 2025, the TB3 demonstrated its compatibility with advanced electro-optical systems, including the ASELFLIR-500 and Aselsan CATS, successfully firing MAM-L munitions in integrated tests.
Supersonic Precision with IHA-122
The TB3’s historic first flight from the TCG Anadolu on November 19, 2024, marked a world-first for naval UAV operations. This achievement was followed by successful tests on March 25 and 27, 2025, when the TB3 fired Roketsan’s IHA-122 supersonic missile at maritime targets, achieving direct hits. These tests showcased the UAV’s ability to deliver high-speed, precision-guided munitions, further expanding its operational versatility.
A notable aspect of these tests was the coordinated operation with a Bayraktar TB2 UAV, which provided laser designation for the TB3’s missile strikes. This successful demonstration of multi-UAV coordination—combining laser targeting and precision engagement—highlights the TB3’s potential to operate as part of a networked battlefield ecosystem, enhancing Turkey’s naval strike capabilities.
A Force Multiplier for Turkey’s Navy
The Bayraktar TB3 is poised to become a transformative asset for the Turkish Navy upon its entry into service. Its foldable wings allow for efficient storage aboard naval vessels, while its beyond-line-of-sight (BLOS) communication capabilities enable control from vast distances. Equipped with advanced reconnaissance, surveillance, and intelligence-gathering systems, as well as the ability to carry smart munitions, the TB3 will serve as a force multiplier for Turkey’s maritime operations.
The UAV’s ability to conduct offensive and defensive missions against distant targets will significantly enhance Turkey’s deterrence capabilities. Whether performing reconnaissance, gathering intelligence, or striking high-value targets with precision munitions like the MAM-T, MAM-L, or IHA-122, the TB3 is set to redefine the role of unmanned systems in naval warfare.
A Milestone for Turkish Innovation
Developed entirely by Baykar, the Bayraktar TB3 exemplifies Turkey’s growing expertise in defense technology. The UAV’s integration of domestically produced components, such as the TEI PD-170 engine and Roketsan munitions, underscores the country’s commitment to self-reliance in defense manufacturing. By achieving these milestones, Baykar has not only advanced Turkey’s military capabilities but also positioned the nation as a global leader in unmanned aviation technology.
As the TB3 continues its test program and moves closer to operational deployment, it is expected to set new standards for naval UAVs worldwide. Its combination of autonomy, endurance, and firepower makes it a formidable platform, capable of projecting power across vast maritime domains. With the successful completion of 100 sorties aboard the TCG Anadolu, the Bayraktar TB3 has already secured its place in aviation history as a trailblazer in unmanned naval operations.
