A high-ranking delegation from the Colombian Air Force is set to visit Türkiye to assess the operational capabilities of the Bayraktar TB-3, the world’s first UAV capable of taking off and landing on short-runway naval vessels. The Colombian Air Force, keen on strengthening its inventory, has shown significant interest in acquiring the cutting-edge drone.
Growing Interest in High-Altitude and Autonomous UAVs
According to reports from the Colombian media, the country is seeking remotely controlled aircraft with high-altitude capabilities and advanced autonomy. As part of this initiative, senior officers from the Colombian Air Force will travel to Türkiye to gather in-depth information about the Bayraktar TB-3’s features and performance.
The Bayraktar TB-3 made aviation history as the first UAV capable of operating from a short-runway naval vessel. In January, it successfully carried out its first live-fire test using ROKETSAN’s MAM-T munition, hitting its target with pinpoint accuracy. Developed indigenously by Baykar, the TB-3 took off from the 12-degree inclined short runway of the TCG Anadolu on November 19, 2024, marking a major milestone in drone technology.
Unmatched Naval Capabilities
During a landmark 46-minute test flight over the Aegean and Mediterranean seas, the Bayraktar TB-3 demonstrated its ability to land on a short runway without any arresting gear. The UAV continued its shipborne trials on the TCG Anadolu near Çanakkale, successfully completing multiple takeoff and landing maneuvers without external support systems. Operating at an average altitude of 20,000 feet, the TB-3 excelled in all test parameters.
The Bayraktar TB-3 introduces significant advancements in its class of unmanned aerial vehicles. Equipped with beyond-line-of-sight communication capabilities, it can be remotely operated over vast distances. This feature enhances its effectiveness in intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance (ISR) missions while also enabling precision strikes on maritime and land-based targets. The drone’s capabilities provide a force-multiplier effect, significantly boosting the deterrence power of its operators.
Meanwhile, during President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan’s visit to Indonesia last week, Baykar CEO Haluk Bayraktar and Republikorp Founder Norman Joesoef signed a joint production agreement for the export of Bayraktar TB-3 and Bayraktar AKINCI drones. This deal marks the first official export of the TB-3, with Indonesia set to become its inaugural international operator.
