New Turkish Bayraktar TB3 Drone Redefines Naval Combat Operations Makes Its Public Debut.

The Turkish Bayraktar TB3 drone, Baykar’s latest combat drone, completed its first public flight at TEKNOFEST, an international air and technology event held from October 2 to 6, 2024, in Türkiye. Developed by Baykar, a leading Turkish aerospace company, the Bayraktar TB3 is the first combat drone capable of taking off and landing on short-runway vessels such as the TCG Anadolu drone carrier. This capability represents a strategic advancement for Türkiye, enabling drone operations from mobile maritime platforms.
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The Bayraktar TB3 is an unmanned combat aerial vehicle (UCAV) developed by Baykar, specifically designed for takeoff and landing on short-runway aircraft carriers (Picture source: Baykar)

The Bayraktar TB3 is an unmanned combat aerial vehicle (UCAV) developed by Baykar, specifically designed for takeoff and landing on short-runway aircraft carriers. This armed combat drone is intended for reconnaissance, surveillance, and intelligence missions, as well as offensive operations, thanks to the smart munitions mounted under its wings. With foldable wings facilitating its deployment on drone carriers, the TB3 stands out for its ability to conduct armed operations abroad, supported by line-of-sight and beyond-line-of-sight communication systems.

The TB3 is powered by the PD-170 engine, produced by TUSAŞ Engine Industries (TEI), a Turkish aerospace engine manufacturer. This engine provides the drone with a top speed of 160 knots (296 kilometers per hour) and a flight endurance exceeding 24 hours, making it particularly suitable for long-duration missions. With a 14-meter wingspan and a maximum takeoff weight of 1,450 kilograms, the TB3 has a payload capacity of 280 kilograms, allowing it to carry a variety of smart munitions essential for reconnaissance, surveillance, intelligence, and remote strike missions.

Prior to its public appearance, the Bayraktar TB3 underwent a series of rigorous tests to confirm its performance at low, medium, and high altitudes, as well as its navigation and identification systems. These successful tests validated the TB3’s capabilities in diverse operational scenarios, enhancing its versatility and utility in modern battlefields. Alongside its surveillance functions, the TB3 can execute precision strikes with a wide range of guided munitions, meeting the current demands of asymmetrical warfare.

Baykar’s drones, including the TB2 and AKINCI, have demonstrated effectiveness in various operational theaters such as Azerbaijan, Libya, and Ukraine, contributing to Türkiye’s reputation in combat drone capabilities. The TB3 extends Baykar’s range of drones by offering enhanced capabilities compared to its predecessor, the TB2. The company has also established a strong international presence, exporting drones to 34 countries, which accounts for 32% of Türkiye's total defense and aerospace exports. In 2023, Baykar’s foreign sales reached $1.77 billion, reflecting a global demand for Turkish drones.

Türkiye currently exports 230 defense products to nearly 170 countries, reinforcing its position in the global defense industry. In addition to drones, Türkiye’s aviation industry supplies aircraft structures, equipment, and maintenance services to major global manufacturers, contributing to a record $5.5 billion in defense and aerospace exports in 2023.

The success of the Bayraktar TB3, now capable of autonomous operations from ships, reflects Türkiye’s focus on technological sovereignty and its ability to adapt to modern combat requirements. With the TB3’s debut at TEKNOFEST, Turkey underscores its capability to integrate and deploy advanced technology to support its military and export ambitions.