Bayraktar TB3 naval UCAV is working alongside Eurofighter Typhoons and an AWACS for C-UAS training activities within the scope of Steadfast Dart 2026.
According to a recent release from NATO, Bayraktar TB3 has left another mark in the Steadfast Dart 2026 NATO exercise, joining the drill covering airborne C-UAS tactics, which includes Eurofighter Typhoons (Italy, Spain, Germany), an AWACS, and an A400M in tanker configuration from the Spanish Air Force.
It is understood that the Bayraktar TB3 operating from the TCG Anadolu LHD (L400) is likely operating as a platform for low altitude detection and identification. In contrast, Eurofighters are mainly tasked with interception and the AWACS is tasked with long-range surveillance. An advantage of using UCAVs for C-UAS can be given as the fact that they an stay on site for more than half a day, which fills a gap in readiness as fighter jets take time to sortie and travel a distance.
Bayraktar TB3 has a broader potential for C-UAS tasks, with the provision for a multi-role radar and the plan to integrate the SUNGUR air defence missile currently used by the Turkish Army. Additionally, CİRİT laser-guided missile is a candidate as an affordable and high-capacity weapon, as it has demonstrated its C-UAS capabilities in a test with the PUSU weapon system.
Author: Kaan Azman
Editor:Özgür Ekşi
