Bayraktar TB3 makes history with flight from TCG Anadolu: Baykar chairman
The 4th prototype of Bayraktar TB3, the national armed unmanned aerial vehicle (UCAV) developed by Baykar, participated in the ship landing and take-off tests on 26 April, 2025. (Baykar/Handout)
Baykar Chairman Selcuk Bayraktar said that the Bayraktar TB3 has successfully completed a historic flight from Türkiye’s TCG Anadolu, marking the first time an unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) operated from an aircraft carrier with a mission-capable payload.
Speaking during a test event, Bayraktar stated, “With a mission-capable payload, for the first time, a UAV has operated from an aircraft carrier. From now on, it will continue to make history with its future missions.”
Strategic breakthrough in naval aviation
Bayraktar highlighted the significance of the achievement, noting that the Bayraktar TB3 has opened “the doors to a new world” by entering naval aviation with such a strategic initiative using UAVs.
“This project is a source of indescribable pride. Just as our ancestors once ruled the seas, today we are opening a new chapter in naval aviation,” he told the Baykar project team.
The Bayraktar TB3, the first UAV capable of fully autonomous takeoff and landing on a short-decked ship, continues its successful testing phase.
TB3’s ongoing test milestones
Following its first ship-based flight in November 2024 off the coast of Aksaz, Mugla, the Bayraktar TB3 resumed its scheduled test program on April 22 aboard the TCG Anadolu.
During these tests conducted in the Saros Gulf, the TB3 completed four consecutive days of fully autonomous takeoffs and landings.
For the first time, two Bayraktar TB3 UAVs operated simultaneously on the TCG Anadolu.
The fourth prototype, PT-4, joined the testing by taking off from the Kesan Flight Training and Test Center and landing on the carrier to participate in ongoing operations.
Future prospects, symbolic achievement
Addressing the test team, Bayraktar reflected on the project’s symbolic importance, stating, “We are rowing the oars of our civilization ship together. Since the day the call of ‘Vira Bismillah’ was made, this has been our mission. It is my greatest happiness to be rowing alongside you all.”
Bayraktar emphasized that the Bayraktar TB3’s ongoing missions will continue to create historic milestones for Türkiye’s aviation and defense industries.
