Bayraktar TB3 Deliveries Explained: The First Ship-Launched UAV Enters Service
Summary Not Found.
The Bayraktar TB3 on the deck of TCG Anadolu. Source: Wikimedia Commons (CC).
Bayraktar TB3 is a folding-wing, carrier-capable armed unmanned aerial vehicle developed by Türkiye’s Baykar. Designed as the naval-focused successor to the Bayraktar TB2, TB3 was developed to operate from Türkiye’s first drone carrier, TCG Anadolu. TB3 became the first armed UAV in aviation history to perform autonomous takeoff and landing from a short-deck ship. The platform entered Turkish Armed Forces service in 2025 and began active operations. This dossier compiles TB3’s delivery process, ship integration, operators, engine and technical data from open sources.
Bayraktar TB3 is the platform at the heart of Türkiye’s naval-aviation vision. When vertical-takeoff combat aircraft could not be procured during TCG Anadolu’s design, the idea of turning the ship into a drone carrier was born; TB3 was developed precisely to fill that gap, making TCG Anadolu one of the world’s pioneering UAV carriers.
The folding-wing architecture lets TB3 deploy efficiently on ships with limited deck and hangar space. Folding wings allow more aircraft to be carried on the same ship, while autonomous takeoff and landing software enables safe operation in rough seas without human intervention.
The KEMANKEŞ mini smart cruise missile TB3 carries significantly extends the platform’s strike range. Low-observable and jet-powered, KEMANKEŞ lets TB3 strike from a safe distance without approaching the target, increasing the survivability of the uncrewed operating concept.
For maritime patrol and ship defense, TB3 gives the navy a persistent airborne reconnaissance capability. Long-duration surveillance of large sea areas, early detection of enemy ships and submarines and, when needed, precision strike become possible with a TB3 fleet launched from a single ship.
Export talks beginning with Italy raise the question of TB3’s compatibility with NATO-standard ships. Integration onto a carrier like Cavour would be concrete proof that the Turkish defense industry can export not just vehicles but complex sea-air integration engineering.
TB3’s serial production is accelerating as Baykar’s production capacity grows. Rising demand requires expanding the lines to meet both the Turkish navy’s needs and export orders, making TB3 a long-term and sustainable program.
2025
Entered Turkish service
World first
Short-deck UAV takeoff
PD-170
Indigenous engine
24+ hours
Endurance
Contents: Tap each heading to expand or collapse — what TB3 is, TCG Anadolu, operators, deliveries, engine and systems, timeline, specs and FAQ.
What is the Bayraktar TB3?
TB3 is a larger, more capable armed UAV built on the success of the TB2. Its most distinctive feature is its folding wings, which let it take off and land from short-deck platforms such as aircraft and amphibious assault ships.
TB3 can perform real-time ISR and precision strike from the sea. With beyond-line-of-sight SATCOM control, heavy payload and long endurance, TB3 gives naval forces a persistent airborne eye and strike arm.
World first: takeoff and landing from TCG Anadolu
TB3’s most historic achievement was its takeoff and landing from TCG Anadolu. TB3 entered aviation history as the world’s first armed UAV to perform fully autonomous takeoff and landing from a short-deck ship, completing four sorties from TCG Anadolu.
TB3 also proved its capability in a NATO exercise: taking off from TCG Anadolu, it struck a maritime target with MAM-L munition — proof that a ship-launched UAV can perform both reconnaissance and strike.
Which institutions and countries operate it?
TB3’s first operator is the Turkish military, used in integration with the Navy’s TCG Anadolu. The first export steps have been taken for TB3, which has drawn interest abroad.
Operator
Status
Turkish Armed Forces
Active (2025 inventory, TCG Anadolu)
Italian Armed Forces
Delivery Q3 2026 (Cavour carrier integration on the agenda)
Delivery and serial production
TB3 entered Turkish Armed Forces service in 2025 and began active operations. Baykar serially produces TB3, and its capabilities are continually advanced through exercises.
On the export side, Baykar announced that TB3 delivery to the Italian Armed Forces would take place in the third quarter of 2026, with TB3 integration for the Italian carrier Cavour also on the agenda — showing TB3 has become an option not just for the Turkish navy but for allied naval forces.
TB3 flies with the indigenous TEI PD-170 turbodiesel, the national powertrain also used on platforms like ANKA and AKSUNGUR. With PD-170, TB3 delivers over 24 hours of endurance and high-altitude performance.
For mission systems, TB3 carries ASELSAN’s ASELFLIR-500 electro-optical reconnaissance, surveillance and targeting system. For munitions, besides the MAM family of smart munitions it can also use the KEMANKEŞ mini smart cruise missile — giving TB3 strike flexibility at both short and long range.
Timeline
Date
Event
Source
October 2023
TB3 first flight
Baykar
November 2024
First takeoff-landing from TCG Anadolu (4 sorties)
TB3 is produced by Baykar. It gives Türkiye the ability to conduct unmanned air operations from the sea, effectively turning TCG Anadolu into a drone carrier and radically extending the reach and influence of naval power.
Bringing a carrier-capable UAV into serial production puts Türkiye among the world leaders in this field. TB3’s export and integration onto allied ships show the Turkish defense industry becoming a global player in naval aviation as well.
Frequently Asked Questions
When did the Bayraktar TB3 enter Turkish service?
TB3 entered Turkish Armed Forces service in 2025 and began active operations.
Why is TB3 a historic achievement?
TB3 is the world’s first armed UAV to perform fully autonomous takeoff and landing from a short-deck ship (TCG Anadolu).
Is TB3’s engine indigenous?
Yes; TB3 flies with the indigenous TEI PD-170 turbodiesel engine.
What munitions does TB3 use?
It can use the MAM family of smart munitions and the KEMANKEŞ mini smart cruise missile.
Which countries is TB3 being exported to?
The first export step was taken with Italy; delivery is planned for the third quarter of 2026.
