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Turkish Bayraktar TB3 UCAV Successfully Performs First Takeoff and Landing on TCG Anadolu.
In a historic milestone for Turkish naval aviation, the Bayraktar TB3 combat drone successfully performed its first autonomous takeoff and landing today, November 19, 2024, on the TCG Anadolu, the Turkish Navy’s future UAV carrier as reported on X by @ClashReport. This achievement marks a critical step in integrating unmanned aerial systems (UAS) into modern maritime capabilities.
Screenshot from the video showing the Turkish Bayraktar TB3 UCAV's first successful takeoff and landing on the TCG Anadolu. (Picture source: X Channel @Clash Report)
The Bayraktar TB3, specifically designed for operations from ships like the TCG Anadolu, features folding wings and a design optimized for maritime missions. During the demonstration, the drone showcased its ability to take off at full load using its PD170 engine and the carrier’s ski-jump ramp, while autonomously landing without external support. It aligned itself with the runway, decelerated gradually, and came to a stop using its own braking system, eliminating the need for arresting wires or additional mechanical equipment.
The Bayraktar TB3 is equipped with a wingspan of 14 meters (approximately 46 feet) and a length of 8.35 meters (27 feet). With a maximum takeoff weight of 1,450 kilograms (about 3,196 pounds) and a payload capacity of 280 kilograms (617 pounds), the TB3 offers a substantial upgrade compared to its predecessor, the TB2, which features a maximum takeoff weight of 750 kilograms (1,653 pounds) and a payload capacity of 130 kilograms (286 pounds). Powered by a 172-horsepower PD170 engine, the TB3 boasts a range of 1,000 nautical miles and an on-station endurance exceeding 24 hours, making it a highly capable platform for extended missions.
This successful operation validates an innovative deployment architecture that streamlines deck operations and maximizes sortie rates. The technological breakthrough also reduces deck congestion, enabling rapid redeployment of drones for subsequent missions.
This success occurs as Turkey rapidly expands its naval aviation capabilities. In 2025, Baykar plans to demonstrate its heavier KIZILELMA drone on the TCG Anadolu. Weighing 8.5 tons, this model will require arresting wires and a hook system to safely land, given the kinetic energy generated during landing. However, like the TB3, the KIZILELMA remains capable of taking off without a catapult, showcasing the versatility of Turkish solutions for aerial launch and recovery.
Simultaneously, TUSAŞ is preparing to introduce additional carrier-optimized aircraft by 2026, including the Hürjet light combat aircraft and the ANKA-3 DZ drone. These platforms will complement the growing fleet of naval-capable aerial assets, broadening the Turkish Navy’s tactical options.
Shipborne drones are profoundly transforming modern naval operations. The Bayraktar TB3 exemplifies this shift by delivering surveillance, reconnaissance, and precision-strike capabilities in complex maritime environments. Operating autonomously in hostile areas, these drones minimize risks to human pilots while increasing mission endurance and operational flexibility. They are particularly effective in constrained and high-risk spaces, offering a significant strategic advantage.
This first successful demonstration of the TB3 aboard the TCG Anadolu highlights Turkey’s growing prominence in autonomous maritime warfare. This achievement paves the way for a new era of naval operations, where unmanned systems will play a central role in power projection and maritime defense missions.