Baykar presented its TB3 UCAV at UMEX 2024, and X user @al_lure shared a photo of the brochure showing the unmanned system's munitions. Bayraktar TB3 will use a diverse range of air-to-surface and air-to-air munitions developed by ROKETSAN, TÜBİTAK SAGE, ASELSAN, EDGE Group and Baykar.
ROKETSAN’s munitions include the MAM family of smart munitions and SUNGUR air defence missiles in a single pod configuration. While the MAM family is expected, SUNGUR is an extraordinary option for the UCAV.
A deal was signed to integrate SUNGUR missiles on AKINCI and Bayraktar TB2 UAVs in the SAHA EXPO 2022 exhibition. UCAVs armed with short-range air defence missiles can conduct small-scale air patrols for long durations if they can be networked to ground radars such as KALKAN-II and ERALP. With the target profile of missiles like SUNGUR in mind, this can be employed against helicopters and medium to large-sized UAVs.
ASELSAN and TÜBİTAK SAGE’s TOLUN small-diameter bomb is the heaviest of all options, weighing 135 kg. Two TOLUN bombs are only 10 kg below Bayraktar TB3’s maximum payload capacity of 280 kg. Due to TOLUN’s concrete-piercing capabilities, it might be considered an option to strike hardened targets.
BOZOK is a small-sized munition developed by TÜBİTAK SAGE, sitting between MAM-C and MAM-L munitions in terms of weight. The munition features a hybrid warhead with armour-piercing and fragmentation effects.
EDGE Group will integrate its DESERT STING 16 and DESERT STING 25 gliding munitions on Bayraktar TB3 with the option of dual racks. DESERT STING 16 was test-fired from Bayraktar TB2 UCAV earlier this month.
Baykar’s KEMANKEŞ jet-powered loitering munition will also be used on Bayraktar TB3. KEMANKEŞ’s maximum range of 200 km can provide Bayraktar TB3 stand-off attack capabilities, especially on soft targets like radars and missile launchers. Another use can be counted as remote reconnaissance thanks to the onboard gimbal electro-optical system of KEMANKEŞ.
The Bayraktar TB3 UCAV is designed for marine operations with its capacity to take off and land on a short runway flight deck.
