With foldable wings, beyond-line-of-sight (BLOS) communication, and the ability to carry precision-guided munitions, the Bayraktar TB3 is poised to become a game-changer in modern warfare. Turkey’s cutting-edge unmanned combat aerial vehicle (UCAV) has reached another critical milestone, successfully conducting its first test firing of the İHA-122 supersonic missile.
During the test on March 25, the Bayraktar TB3 took off from Dalaman Air Base in Muğla Province, carrying a missile developed by Roketsan. The target—a 6×6-meter floating platform—was positioned over 50 kilometers away at sea. In a coordinated strike, a Bayraktar TB2 laser-designated the target, allowing the TB3 to execute a precise hit, demonstrating the ability of multiple UAVs to operate in sync during combat missions.
Built for Endurance and Precision
To date, the Bayraktar TB3 has accumulated 968 flight hours, including a record-breaking 32-hour endurance flight in December 2023, covering 5,700 kilometers without refueling. It also features the advanced ASELFLIR-500 electro-optical reconnaissance, surveillance, and targeting system, which was successfully tested in March 2024.
Expanding the Legacy of Bayraktar UAVs
The Bayraktar TB3 follows in the footsteps of its predecessor, the Bayraktar TB2, which has proven its effectiveness in global conflicts, playing a pivotal role in Ukraine’s defense against Russian forces and Azerbaijan’s victory in the Nagorno-Karabakh war. The TB2’s ability to conduct high-precision strikes and intelligence-gathering missions has reshaped modern aerial warfare, earning international recognition and adoption by multiple countries.
With its enhanced capabilities, the Bayraktar TB3 is set to play a strategic role in reconnaissance, intelligence gathering, and precision strikes. Its adaptability makes it a critical force multiplier in international operations, strengthening deterrence and expanding the potential of unmanned aerial warfare.
