The Bayraktar TB3 UCAV, a groundbreaking medium-altitude long-endurance (MALE) unmanned combat aerial vehicle (UCAV) developed by Turkey’s Baykar, has achieved yet another milestone in military aviation history. Recently celebrated for its historic takeoff and landing on the short runway of the TCG Anadolu vessel—a feat accomplished with a 12-degree ski-jump ramp—the Bayraktar TB3 continues to push boundaries. In a series of advanced firing tests, the TB3 successfully launched supersonic missiles from beyond 50 kilometers, marking the first time in warfare history that a tactical-class UCAV has executed such an operation. On March 27, the Bayraktar TB3 demonstrated its precision strike capabilities by hitting a 6×6-meter floating target at sea from below line-of-sight altitude. Equipped with the indigenous UAV-122 Supersonic Missile developed by Roketsan, this test showcased the TB3’s ability to engage targets under challenging operational conditions. The laser designation for the missile strike was provided by a Bayraktar TB2 UCAV, highlighting the seamless coordination between two airborne platforms in target engagement.
The Bayraktar TB3 has consistently proven its versatility and cutting-edge design. On November 19, 2024, it made global headlines by conducting a 46-minute test flight over the Aegean and Mediterranean seas, taking off and landing on the TCG Anadolu without any external landing support equipment. This unprecedented achievement underscores its role as a game-changer in naval aviation. Additionally, during high-altitude system performance tests on June 25, 2024, the TB3 reached an altitude of 36,310 feet, powered by the domestically produced PD-170 engine from TEI. With a total accumulated flight time of 968 hours—including a record-breaking endurance flight of 32 continuous hours covering 5,700 kilometers—the Bayraktar TB3 has demonstrated exceptional reliability and range. Furthermore, its integration with the ASELFLIR-500 Electro-Optical Reconnaissance, Surveillance, and Targeting System, developed indigenously by Aselsan, ensures superior reconnaissance and targeting capabilities.
The Turkish company Roketsan developed the İHA-122 supersonic air-to-surface missile from its T-122 Sakarya 122 mm surface-to-surface missiles. The rockets for the T-122 Sakarya system were developed and manufactured by MKEK and ROKETSAN, though the T-122 can fire 122mm rockets from the BM-21 and associated systems. Indigenous rockets are available with HE-FRAG or cluster warheads which can contain either anti-personnel or anti-tank submunitions. The İHA-122 supersonic air-to-surface missile include the global navigation satellite services (GNSS)-guided TRG-122 and laser-guided TRLG-122. The first test launch of an İHA-122 from an Akinci in December 2023 but did not identify the type of guidance it used. Baykar said the target was 55 km away in the latest test, which compares with the TRG/TRLG-122’s 30 km range with a 13.5 kg warhead.
Designed as a force multiplier for Turkey’s overseas operations, the Bayraktar TB3 is equipped with Beyond Line-of-Sight (BLOS) communication systems, enabling long-range missions against strategic targets. Its foldable wings and advanced payload capacity position it as a leader in its class, capable of conducting reconnaissance, surveillance, intelligence, and precision strike missions. Baykar, the company behind the Bayraktar TB3, has solidified its status as the world’s largest UAV manufacturer. With exports totaling $1.8 billion in both 2023 and 2024, Baykar accounts for a significant portion of Turkey’s defense industry revenue. The company has signed export agreements with 36 countries, including deliveries of the renowned Bayraktar TB2 and AKINCI UCAVs. As Turkey’s defense export champion, Baykar continues to enhance global security through innovative, indigenous solutions like the Bayraktar TB3.
