Bayraktar TB-3, one of BAYKAR’s flagship programs, is pushing the boundaries of carrier-capable unmanned air operations for Türkiye’s navy. The aircraft is undergoing a demanding test campaign that validates not only its own flight envelope but also its interoperability with the amphibious assault ship TCG Anadolu. Day-night sorties, launches and recoveries in varied sea states, and complex command-and-control checks are shaping a concept of operations that places TB-3 at the heart of a naval, network-centric air wing.

A milestone came with a joint mission in which a TB-3 provided targeting and guidance for a kamikaze unmanned surface vessel, striking the designated target with high precision. Analysts describe the scenario as a pioneering demonstration that blends shipborne UAV sensing with autonomous naval strike—evidence that Türkiye is writing new playbooks for distributed maritime operations before TB-3 has even entered full service.

Compared with the combat-proven TB-2, TB-3 offers longer endurance and greater payload capacity, opening room for more sensors and a broader weapons mix. Beyond classic ISR and laser-guided engagements, experts foresee anti-submarine roles—such as deploying sonobuoys—expanding its mission set. That versatility promises a step-change in the fleet’s ability to find, fix, track, and finish threats across the surface and subsurface domains while keeping costs manageable.

Export prospects are strong. While Turkish service entry remains the first priority, reporting increasingly links countries such as Italy and Indonesia with interest in the platform. BAYKAR’s collaboration footprint in Europe could ease certification and sustainment pathways. Crucially, the expected absence of a dramatic price gap with TB-2—paired with higher range, payload, and adaptability—positions TB-3 as a compelling upgrade for users seeking “more of what works,” both at sea and on land.