Bayraktar TB3 breaks barriers. The first tactical UCAV to launch supersonic missiles from the sea

The Bayraktar TB3, the world’s first tactical UCAV capable of operating from a short runway aboard a naval vessel, has successfully conducted another round of live-fire tests with the UAV-122 supersonic missile. In a historic breakthrough for military aviation, the unmanned aircraft struck a target over 50 kilometers away while flying below the line of sight.

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28 march 2025   |   17:59   |   Source: Gazeta Morska   |   Prepared by: Kamil Kusier   |   Print

fot. Baykar

Successful strike below the line of sight

On March 27, 2025, the Bayraktar TB3 took off from Dalaman Air Base in Muğla, carrying the UAV-122 supersonic missile developed by Roketsan. During the test, the UCAV successfully hit a floating 6x6-meter target, demonstrating its operational capabilities. A previous test conducted on March 25 also ended in success, with the TB3 striking a target from over 50 kilometers away.

Bayraktar TB2 and TB3 synergy

The tests showcased the highly effective coordination between different UCAV models. The target was laser-designated by the Bayraktar TB2, while the Bayraktar TB3 launched the missile, achieving a precise hit. This milestone highlights the ability of unmanned combat systems to conduct coordinated aerial operations.

Operations from TCG Anadolu – a naval aviation breakthrough

The Bayraktar TB3 has made history as the first UCAV capable of taking off and landing on a short-runway naval vessel. On November 19, 2024, the aircraft successfully launched from the 12-degree ski-jump ramp aboard TCG Anadolu and returned to the deck without the use of landing assistance systems. Subsequent trials off the coast of Çanakkale further validated its shipborne operational capabilities, with TB3 completing two additional takeoffs and landings.

Advanced capabilities – altitude, flight endurance, and smart systems

In June 2024, the Bayraktar TB3 reached an altitude of 36,310 feet during a high-altitude performance test, powered by the domestically developed PD-170 engine from TEI. The altitude record for Turkish UCAVs remains with the Bayraktar Akıncı, which reached 45,118 feet.

With an impressive total flight time of 968 hours, the TB3 has demonstrated exceptional endurance. In a long-endurance flight test on December 20, 2023, it remained airborne for 32 hours, covering a distance of 5,700 kilometers. Additionally, on March 26, 2024, the TB3 conducted its first flight with the ASELFLIR-500 electro-optical targeting system, developed by Aselsan, which surpasses global competitors in performance.

A new dimension in naval operations and Baykar’s export success

With its foldable wings and beyond line-of-sight (BLOS) communication capabilities, the Bayraktar TB3 significantly enhances naval operational capabilities. Its autonomous reconnaissance, surveillance, and strike missions make it a key component of Türkiye’s defense strategy.

Baykar, a global leader in the UCAV market, has financed all its projects independently, achieving remarkable export success. In 2023 and 2024, the company generated $1.8 billion in exports each year, accounting for 83% and 90% of its total revenues, respectively. Baykar has secured export agreements with 36 countries, including 34 for the Bayraktar TB2 and 11 for the Bayraktar Akıncı, further solidifying its position as the world’s leading manufacturer of unmanned combat aerial vehicles.

The Bayraktar TB3 represents the future of naval aviation, offering a new level of maritime operational capability. With its advanced strike capabilities, extended endurance, and successful missile tests, it is set to become a key asset for modern armed forces worldwide.

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