Bayraktar TB3 UCAV’s third and fourth prototypes took off consecutively from TCG Anadolu (L400) LHD for the Turkish Navy’s Denizkurdu 2025 naval exercise.

The two prototypes took off from Keşan and landed on TCG Anadolu. Following the landing, the prototypes were loaded with two MAM-L glide munitions. Later on, both prototypes took off consecutively, and for the first time with munition load. During the exercise, Bayraktar TB3s will drop MAM-L munitions on land targets after taking off from TCG Anadolu.

The test is a milestone with the demonstration of consecutive takeoffs of two UCAVs and the ability to take off with a munition load. Bayraktar TB3 can carry up to 280 kg of munitions including MAM series of glide munitions, UAV-122 aeroballistic missile, SUNGUR air-to-air missile, and Kemankeş 1 loitering munition.

Previous Tests of Bayraktar TB3

2025’s tests for Bayraktar TB3 include consecutive takeoff of one Bayraktar TB3 autonomously and the firing tests of the UAV-122 aeroballistic missile.

In the test of late April 2025, Bayraktar TB3 UCAV successfully performed four consecutive takeoff-landing tests on TCG Anadolu LHD (L400) with full autonomy in the Gulf of Saros. The autonomous takeoff/landing capability is crucial in reducing the human error in the highly sensitive act of operating fixed-wing UCAVs from ships.

UAV-122’s tests consist of one medium-altitude launch test where a target 50 km away was hit and one low-altitude launch test with the target located 20 km away.

Author: Kaan Azman

Editor: Özgür Ekşi