Bayraktar TB3 Fires From Ship In Denizkurdu 2025 Exercise

Turkiye naval aviation capabilities reached a significant milestone as the Bayraktar TB3 unmanned combat aerial vehicle (UCAV) successfully completed its first shipborne live-firing test during the Denizkurdu-II 2025 naval exercise. This groundbreaking achievement demonstrates Turkiye growing prowess in drone technology and maritime operations.

Breakthrough Moment for Turkish Naval Aviation

Baykar, Turkiye’s leading drone manufacturer, announced that the Bayraktar TB3 UCAV successfully conducted a live-fire test using MAM-L smart munitions after taking off from the TCG Anadolu during the Distinguished Observers Day activities of the large-scale Denizkurdu-II 2025 naval exercise.

This historic test marks the first shipborne strike conducted by the TB3 from aboard the TCG Anadolu, representing a significant advancement in Turkiye’s naval drone capabilities. The integration of UCAVs with naval platforms showcases Turkiye’s technological innovation in military aviation.

Successful Deployment

Two Bayraktar TB3 drones, identified by tail numbers PT-3 and PT-4, demonstrated impressive operational range by flying approximately 600 kilometers from Keşan to embark on TCG Anadolu on May 9, 2025. This long-distance deployment highlights the platform’s versatility and endurance capabilities.

On May 14, 2025, the drones executed a precision attack on a land target located on Devecitaşı Island in the Eastern Mediterranean. Each UCAV was armed with two MAM-L precision-guided munitions and successfully launched from the ship’s short takeoff runway in sequence.

AI-Powered Autonomous Operations

The mission leveraged Baykar’s cutting-edge AI-assisted mission planning algorithms, enabling the UCAVs to conduct fully autonomous flights and execute consecutive salvo strikes with high precision. All four MAM-L munitions successfully hit their designated targets, demonstrating the system’s accuracy and reliability.

Following the successful strike mission, UCAV PT-4 autonomously returned and landed aboard TCG Anadolu, while PT-3 completed its mission by landing at Dalaman airport before being scheduled for redeployment to Keşan for further testing and development.

Advanced Testing and System Integration

Prior to the live-fire operation, comprehensive test flights on May 11 confirmed the TB3’s operational readiness. The drones were equipped with advanced sensor systems: one featuring the ASELFLIR-500 system and the other utilizing the ASELSAN CATS electro-optical reconnaissance, surveillance, and targeting system.

All mission phases including takeoff, navigation, targeting, and landing were executed fully autonomously through the onboard Ground Control Station (GCS) on TCG Anadolu, with critical support from Baykar’s proprietary AI algorithms.

Bayraktar TB3: Purpose-Built for Naval Operations

The Bayraktar TB3 represents a significant evolution in drone technology, specifically designed to operate from short-runway vessels such as aircraft carriers. Beyond reconnaissance, surveillance, and intelligence-gathering capabilities, the platform excels in precision strike missions using various air-to-surface munitions.

A standout feature of the TB3 is its naval optimization, including foldable wings that allow for compact storage and efficient deployment on maritime platforms. The drone supports both Line-of-Sight (LOS) and Beyond-Line-of-Sight (BLOS) communication, enhancing its operational flexibility.

Technical Specifications and Performance

The Bayraktar TB3 boasts impressive technical specifications that position it as a formidable asset in naval drone operations:

• Length: 8.35 meters
• Wingspan: 14 meters
• Maximum Takeoff Weight: 1,450 kilograms
• Cruise Speed/Maximum Speed: 125–160 knots
• Payload Capacity: 280 kilograms
• Endurance: Over 24 hours

Expanding Combat Capabilities

The TB3’s combat capabilities continue to expand through ongoing testing and development. Earlier this year, on March 25 and March 27, 2025, the drone successfully conducted live-fire tests using Roketsan’s supersonic UAV-122 missile. During the latter test, the TB3 engaged a maritime target positioned below line-of-sight altitude, with target designation provided by a Bayraktar TB2 UCAV demonstrating sophisticated cooperative engagement between different unmanned platforms.

Also read this: Turkiye, Spain To Jointly Produce Hürjet Light Fighter

Pushing Performance Boundaries

The Bayraktar TB3 has demonstrated impressive altitude capabilities during testing. On June 25, 2024, during a test flight at Baykar’s Flight Training and Test Center in Keşan, the TB3 reached an altitude of 36,310 feet powered by the domestically developed TEI PD-170 turbodiesel engine.

The successful shipborne live-firing test during Denizkurdu 2025 represents a significant milestone in Turkiye’s defense capabilities, positioning the nation at the forefront of naval drone technology and maritime operations.

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