Baykar TB3 UCAV to attempt first autonomous landing and takeoff on TCG Anadolu by year-end.

According to information published by Baykar on Baykar's TB3 Unmanned Combat Aerial Vehicle (UCAV) is on track to make a historic debut on Turkey's TCG Anadolu aircraft carrier before the end of this year. Equipped with folding wings and a design optimized for maritime operations, the TB3 is engineered to perform both takeoff and landing autonomously, without requiring any external support from the ship's systems.
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Baykar's TB3 UCAV set to make history on TCG Anadolu with autonomous landing and takeoff, marking a breakthrough in Turkey’s maritime drone operations. (Picture source: Baykar)

The TB3 can autonomously align itself for landing, decelerate smoothly, and come to a complete stop on the carrier deck, utilizing its own braking system without the need for arresting wires or other mechanical aids. For takeoff, the UCAV's powerful PD170 engine, combined with TCG Anadolu's ski-jump ramp, provides sufficient thrust—even at maximum takeoff weight (MTOW)—to launch the drone smoothly into flight. This innovative setup not only streamlines operations but also allows for rapid redeployment, minimizing deck congestion and maximizing sortie rates.

Baykar’s KIZILELMA, a heavier jet-powered UCAV with an 8.5-ton weight, is anticipated to make its own carrier demonstration on TCG Anadolu in 2025. Unlike the TB3, the KIZILELMA will require an arresting wire and hook system to accommodate its greater kinetic energy on landing. This system will bring it safely to a halt on the carrier deck. However, the KIZILELMA, like the TB3, is capable of taking off without assistance from catapult systems, marking a departure from the conventional launch systems seen on many aircraft carriers globally.

Further expanding Turkey's naval aviation capabilities, TUSAŞ is preparing to introduce two additional aircraft to TCG Anadolu’s roster by 2026: the Hürjet light combat aircraft and the ANKA-3 DZ UCAV. Both platforms will be optimized for carrier operations, following the operational model set by the KIZILELMA, which requires an arresting wire and hook system for landings but no assistance for takeoff. The Hürjet and ANKA-3 DZ will join a growing fleet of naval-capable drones and aircraft that will enhance the Turkish Navy's operational flexibility and reach.

The deployment of drones from aircraft carriers has marked a transformative shift in modern naval operations, showcasing the versatile capabilities of unmanned aerial systems (UAS) in maritime environments. Recent advancements have enabled drones to be launched and recovered on the open seas, extending the operational reach of aircraft carriers beyond traditional manned aircraft and bolstering intelligence, surveillance, reconnaissance, and strike capabilities. These developments bring a new dimension to maritime warfare, allowing for enhanced situational awareness, increased flexibility in combat, and a more adaptive approach to complex missions.

One of the key advantages of drones launched from aircraft carriers is their ability to operate autonomously in hostile environments, carrying out precision strikes and gathering critical intelligence without risking pilot lives. Unlike manned aircraft, drones can endure longer missions and maneuver in more constrained spaces, which is particularly beneficial for missions in contested or high-risk areas.