Bayraktar TB3 UAV. (Collage prepared by Mehmet Akbas/Türkiye Today)
By Newsroom
Nov 21, 2024 9:43 AM
Bayraktar TB3, a drone developed by Baykar, has set a global precedent by performing both takeoff and landing operations from Türkiye’s TCG Anadolu, a short-deck vessel.
This marks the first time in aviation history that a short-deck ship has successfully hosted a drone for such operations. The event signals a significant advancement in naval aviation, combining cutting-edge aerospace and maritime technologies.
Footages from TB3’s landing to and launching from TCG Anadolu’s deck. (AA Video)
The successful takeoff and landing of Türkiye’s Bayraktar TB3 unmanned combat aerial vehicle (UCAV), on the amphibious assault ship TCG Anadolu is a historic achievement that reshapes the landscape of naval aviation.
This breakthrough not only advances Türkiye’s defense industry but also highlights its ability to lead the global race for operational naval drones.
UNSPECIFIED – NOVEMBER 19: (—-EDITORIAL USE ONLY – MANDATORY CREDIT – ‘BAYKAR / HANDOUT’ – NO MARKETING NO ADVERTISING CAMPAIGNS – DISTRIBUTED AS A SERVICE TO CLIENTS—-) Baykar Bayraktar TB3 PT2, a Turkish medium-altitude long-endurance (MALE) unmanned combat aerial vehicle (UCAV), successfully takes off from TCG Anadolu’s short runway with a 12-degree inclined ramp on November 19, 2024. Bayraktar TB3 PT2, which completed its tests on a ship from the open sea, made world aviation history as the first unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) to succeed in landing and taking off from a ship with a short runway. Bayraktar TB3 performed a 46-minute test flight at the meeting point of the Aegean and the Mediterranean, and then successfully landed on the same short runway without using any landing support equipment. ( Baykar – Anadolu Agency )UNSPECIFIED – NOVEMBER 19: (—-EDITORIAL USE ONLY – MANDATORY CREDIT – ‘BAYKAR / HANDOUT’ – NO MARKETING NO ADVERTISING CAMPAIGNS – DISTRIBUTED AS A SERVICE TO CLIENTS—-) Baykar Bayraktar TB3 PT2, a Turkish medium-altitude long-endurance (MALE) unmanned combat aerial vehicle (UCAV), successfully takes off from TCG Anadolu’s short runway with a 12-degree inclined ramp on November 19, 2024. Bayraktar TB3 PT2, which completed its tests on a ship from the open sea, made world aviation history as the first unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) to succeed in landing and taking off from a ship with a short runway. Bayraktar TB3 performed a 46-minute test flight at the meeting point of the Aegean and the Mediterranean, and then successfully landed on the same short runway without using any landing support equipment. ( Baykar – Anadolu Agency )UNSPECIFIED – NOVEMBER 19: (—-EDITORIAL USE ONLY – MANDATORY CREDIT – ‘BAYKAR / HANDOUT’ – NO MARKETING NO ADVERTISING CAMPAIGNS – DISTRIBUTED AS A SERVICE TO CLIENTS—-) Baykar Bayraktar TB3 PT2, a Turkish medium-altitude long-endurance (MALE) unmanned combat aerial vehicle (UCAV), successfully takes off from TCG Anadolu’s short runway with a 12-degree inclined ramp on November 19, 2024. Bayraktar TB3 PT2, which completed its tests on a ship from the open sea, made world aviation history as the first unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) to succeed in landing and taking off from a ship with a short runway. Bayraktar TB3 performed a 46-minute test flight at the meeting point of the Aegean and the Mediterranean, and then successfully landed on the same short runway without using any landing support equipment. ( Baykar – Anadolu Agency )UNSPECIFIED – NOVEMBER 19: (—-EDITORIAL USE ONLY – MANDATORY CREDIT – ‘BAYKAR / HANDOUT’ – NO MARKETING NO ADVERTISING CAMPAIGNS – DISTRIBUTED AS A SERVICE TO CLIENTS—-) Baykar Bayraktar TB3 PT2, a Turkish medium-altitude long-endurance (MALE) unmanned combat aerial vehicle (UCAV), successfully takes off from TCG Anadolu’s short runway with a 12-degree inclined ramp on November 19, 2024. Bayraktar TB3 PT2, which completed its tests on a ship from the open sea, made world aviation history as the first unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) to succeed in landing and taking off from a ship with a short runway. Bayraktar TB3 performed a 46-minute test flight at the meeting point of the Aegean and the Mediterranean, and then successfully landed on the same short runway without using any landing support equipment. ( Baykar – Anadolu Agency )
Successful test flight demonstrates operational capability
On Nov. 19, Bayraktar TB3 PT2 performed a 46-minute test flight, taking off from and landing on TCG Anadolu’s 12-degree inclined ramp. Conducted at the confluence of the Aegean and Mediterranean Seas, the test was flawless. It showcased the drone’s compatibility with short-deck operations, significantly boosting Türkiye’s chances of exporting the system to its allies.
There are landing helicopter dock operators within NATO and Türkiye’s own ally-recognized countries, such as Egypt, with which Ankara recently normalized its relations and signed defense agreements.
UNSPECIFIED – NOVEMBER 19: (—-EDITORIAL USE ONLY – MANDATORY CREDIT – ‘BAYKAR / HANDOUT’ – NO MARKETING NO ADVERTISING CAMPAIGNS – DISTRIBUTED AS A SERVICE TO CLIENTS—-) Baykar Bayraktar TB3 PT2, a Turkish medium-altitude long-endurance (MALE) unmanned combat aerial vehicle (UCAV), successfully takes off from TCG Anadolu’s short runway with a 12-degree inclined ramp on November 19, 2024. Bayraktar TB3 PT2, which completed its tests on a ship from the open sea, made world aviation history as the first unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) to succeed in landing and taking off from a ship with a short runway. Bayraktar TB3 performed a 46-minute test flight at the meeting point of the Aegean and the Mediterranean, and then successfully landed on the same short runway without using any landing support equipment. ( Baykar – Anadolu Agency )UNSPECIFIED – NOVEMBER 19: (—-EDITORIAL USE ONLY – MANDATORY CREDIT – ‘BAYKAR / HANDOUT’ – NO MARKETING NO ADVERTISING CAMPAIGNS – DISTRIBUTED AS A SERVICE TO CLIENTS—-) Baykar Bayraktar TB3 PT2, a Turkish medium-altitude long-endurance (MALE) unmanned combat aerial vehicle (UCAV), successfully lands on TCG Anadolu’s short runway with a 12-degree inclined ramp after a 46-minute test flight on November 19, 2024. Bayraktar TB3 PT2, which completed its tests on a ship from the open sea, made world aviation history as the first unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) to succeed in landing and taking off from a ship with a short runway. Bayraktar TB3 performed a 46-minute test flight at the meeting point of the Aegean and the Mediterranean, and then successfully landed on the same short runway without using any landing support equipment. ( Baykar – Anadolu Agency )UNSPECIFIED – NOVEMBER 19: (—-EDITORIAL USE ONLY – MANDATORY CREDIT – ‘BAYKAR / HANDOUT’ – NO MARKETING NO ADVERTISING CAMPAIGNS – DISTRIBUTED AS A SERVICE TO CLIENTS—-) Baykar Bayraktar TB3 PT2, a Turkish medium-altitude long-endurance (MALE) unmanned combat aerial vehicle (UCAV), successfully lands on TCG Anadolu’s short runway with a 12-degree inclined ramp after a 46-minute test flight on November 19, 2024. Bayraktar TB3 PT2, which completed its tests on a ship from the open sea, made world aviation history as the first unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) to succeed in landing and taking off from a ship with a short runway. Bayraktar TB3 performed a 46-minute test flight at the meeting point of the Aegean and the Mediterranean, and then successfully landed on the same short runway without using any landing support equipment. ( Baykar – Anadolu Agency )UNSPECIFIED – NOVEMBER 19: (—-EDITORIAL USE ONLY – MANDATORY CREDIT – ‘BAYKAR / HANDOUT’ – NO MARKETING NO ADVERTISING CAMPAIGNS – DISTRIBUTED AS A SERVICE TO CLIENTS—-) Baykar Bayraktar TB3 PT2, a Turkish medium-altitude long-endurance (MALE) unmanned combat aerial vehicle (UCAV), successfully lands on TCG Anadolu’s short runway with a 12-degree inclined ramp after a 46-minute test flight on November 19, 2024. Bayraktar TB3 PT2, which completed its tests on a ship from the open sea, made world aviation history as the first unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) to succeed in landing and taking off from a ship with a short runway. Bayraktar TB3 performed a 46-minute test flight at the meeting point of the Aegean and the Mediterranean, and then successfully landed on the same short runway without using any landing support equipment. ( Baykar – Anadolu Agency )
Global recognition of Türkiye’s naval innovation
International defense and aerospace analysts have recognized the achievement as a breakthrough. Reports highlighted the drone’s ability to execute operations autonomously without additional support equipment, a feature “not yet” achieved by other nations.
The TB3’s compatibility with short-deck vessels positions Türkiye as a leader in operational unmanned naval aviation capabilities, amid reports of a “race” between Türkiye and the U.S. in this field.
Basic flight performance criteria
8.35 meter length
Fully autonomous takeoff and landing
14 meters wingspan
Tactical line-of-sight (LOS) and beyond-line-of-sight (BLOS)
Take-Off and Landing Capability from Short-Runway Aircraft Carriers
Takeoff and landing capability from short-runway aircraft carriers
24+ hours endurance
1600 kilograms maximum takeoff weight
Advanced features of Bayraktar TB3
MARRAKECH, MOROCCO – NOVEMBER 1: Turkiye’s unmanned combat aerial vehicle (UCAV) Baykar Bayraktar TB3 is exhibited at “Marrakech Air Show 2024” International Aerospace Exhibition organized in Marrakech, Morocco on November 01, 2024. ( Said Echarif – Anadolu Agency )MARRAKECH, MOROCCO – NOVEMBER 1: Turkiye’s unmanned combat aerial vehicle (UCAV) Baykar Bayraktar TB3 is exhibited at “Marrakech Air Show 2024” International Aerospace Exhibition organized in Marrakech, Morocco on November 01, 2024. ( Said Echarif – Anadolu Agency )MARRAKECH, MOROCCO – NOVEMBER 1: Turkiye’s unmanned combat aerial vehicle (UCAV) Baykar Bayraktar TB3 is exhibited at “Marrakech Air Show 2024” International Aerospace Exhibition organized in Marrakech, Morocco on November 01, 2024. ( Said Echarif – Anadolu Agency )
Strategic and operational implications
Experts emphasize the strategic significance of this capability for Türkiye. The TB3’s extended endurance of up to 24 hours and ability to carry advanced precision munitions enhance surveillance, reconnaissance, and tactical strike options.
This capability gives Türkiye an edge in protecting its maritime interests and conducting long-range missions. By integrating various radar systems and weapons into the TB3s, the Turkish Navy can gain significant power in the Mediterranean and other regions.
The TB3’s deployment from TCG Anadolu enables intercontinental operations and serves as a psychological deterrent. Its ability to seamlessly integrate with naval operations without relying on fixed land bases is regarded as a significant force multiplier.
Service ceiling: 25,000 feet
Communication: LOS & BLOS
Operational altitude: 20,000 feet
Endurance: 21+ hours
Power plant: 170 horsepower turbodiesel engine
Takeoff/landing/cruise/taxi: Autonomous
Cruise – maximum speed: 110-130 knots true airspeed (KTAS)
MTOW: 1600 kg *maximum takeoff weight (MTOW) may vary on Naval Version*
Payload capacity: 280 kg
Versions: Land and marine
Payload – Weapons: 6 laser guided, INS/GPS guided, IR Guided and Air-to-Air Munitions
Footages from TB3’s landing to and launching from TCG Anadolu’s deck. (X Video)
Industry perspective: Future of advanced naval drones
Experts suggest the Bayraktar TB3’s success lays a foundation for more advanced systems, such as the Kizilelma unmanned fighter jet. The integration of drones like TB3 on TCG Anadolu signifies a shift toward a future where naval platforms act as hubs for uncrewed aerial systems, expanding Türkiye’s operational reach and maritime dominance.
Türkiye has a chance to capture a very “special” export potential with this system. Many countries, from Japan to Italy, Spain and Egypt, operate similar platforms, using helicopters, which are much more costly, or F-35Bs, which have vertical takeoff and landing capabilities.
The TB3 offers a cost-effective alternative to traditional manned platforms while boasting superior capabilities compared to current unmanned aerial vehicles on similar ships. Its features include advanced ammunition integration and extended flight endurance, enabling 24-hour surveillance at sea. This persistent monitoring can significantly restrict the operational capabilities of submarines and other naval platforms in the area.
Footage from TB3’s landing to and launching from TCG Anadolu’s deck. (AA Video)
The TB3 is expected to attract significant international interest once it becomes operational and enters the market.
Baykar’s existing success with unmanned aerial vehicles already in service across many countries is likely to pave the way for the TB3 to quickly secure buyers worldwide.
Setting aside other factors, the autonomous landing of the TB3 on the relatively short and narrow deck of TCG Anadolu marks a significant milestone for naval aviation, with the potential to transform many dynamics in the field.
Bayraktar TB3 UAV. (Collage prepared by Mehmet Akbas/Türkiye Today)
