A World First in Aviation History: TB3 UCAV Conducts Autonomous Flight from Ship
The domestically produced Bayraktar TB3 UCAV has made aviation history by successfully performing fully autonomous take-off and landing operations on the short-runway TCG Anadolu vessel.
As part of the DENİZKURDU-2025 exercise organised by the Turkish Naval Forces Command, Bayraktar TB3 UCAVs achieved yet another historic milestone. Two Bayraktar TB3 aircraft (PT-3 and PT-4) took off from Keşan and successfully deployed to the TCG Anadolu ship during the exercise.
Fully Autonomous Missions from Ship
Bayraktar TB3s successfully completed munitions loading and control tests aboard Turkey’s first UCAV carrier, TCG Anadolu. Take-offs and landings were carried out fully autonomously thanks to AI-supported mission algorithms developed by Baykar. All operations were controlled from the Ground Control Station (GCS) on board the ship.
Selçuk Bayraktar and Military Command on Duty
Baykar Chairman of the Board Selçuk Bayraktar closely monitored the exercise, while Commander of the Turkish Naval Forces Admiral Ercüment Tatlıoğlu also conducted observations aboard the ship.
Salvo Strike on Land Targets with MAM-L
Ahead of the Distinguished Observer Day scheduled for 14 May, the TB3 UCAVs will launch salvo strikes on land-based targets using two MAM-L munitions each, in line with the exercise scenario. Following the mission, the aircraft will conduct formation flights and a ceremonial fly-past around the TCG Anadolu.
Aviation History Made
Deployed aboard the TCG Anadolu since 22 April 2025, Bayraktar TB3 is the world’s first UCAV capable of fully autonomous take-off and landing from a short-runway vessel. On 25 April, TB3 conducted its 24th sortie and, with the landing of the PT-4 prototype, marked the first time two domestically produced UCAVs were simultaneously deployed on a warship.
Emotive Post from Ministry of Defence
In a social media post, the Ministry of National Defence announced the successful deployment of Bayraktar TB3 from Keşan to TCG Anadolu, stationed off the coast of Dalaman. The accompanying video featured flight footage of the TB3 set to Ayten Alpman’s song “Memleketim”.
