Flash News: Turkish Bayraktar TB3 Becomes World’s First Armed Aerial Drone to Take Off & Land on Short-Runway Vessel
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The Turkish-made Bayraktar TB3 Unmanned Combat Aerial Vehicle (UCAV), which recently made history by becoming the world’s first armed unmanned aerial vehicle to take off and land on a short-runway vessel, has successfully completed its first firing test with the MAM-T (Mini Smart Munition-T) munition, hitting its target with pinpoint accuracy. This historic achievement underscores Türkiye’s growing capabilities in the field of unmanned aerial warfare and highlights the TB3’s operational readiness for maritime and land-based missions.Follow Army Recognition on Google News at this link
The Turkish-made Bayraktar TB3 Unmanned Combat Aerial Vehicle (UCAV) equipped with MAM-T (Mini Smart Munition-T), showcasing its advanced strike capabilities for precision targeting in modern combat operations. (Picture source: Baykar)
On January 17, 2025, the Bayraktar TB3 UCAV took off from the Baykar Flight Training and Test Center in Keşan, Edirne, carrying two Roketsan MAM-T munitions. During the test, the UCAV utilized Aselsan’s ASELFLIR-500 Electro-Optical Reconnaissance, Surveillance, and Targeting System to identify and engage its designated target with precision. This milestone marks a critical step in the TB3’s development, with further payload and munitions integration tests planned in accordance with its development timeline.
The MAM-T (Mini Smart Munition-T) is an advanced smart micro munition developed by the Turkish defense company Roketsan, designed to enhance operational capabilities by providing high-precision strike options against both stationary and moving targets. It features an extended range, capable of engaging targets at distances exceeding 30 kilometers when launched from UAVs. This range can extend to over 60 kilometers when deployed from light attack aircraft and up to 80 kilometers when launched from fighter jets, offering significant tactical flexibility. Equipped with a semi-active laser seeker, the MAM-T ensures high precision, making it highly effective against a wide range of threats. The munition incorporates a high-explosive blast fragmentation warhead, optimized for maximum destructive power against armored vehicles, fortified structures, and other critical targets. With a diameter of 230 mm, a length of 1.4 meters, and a weight of approximately 95 kilograms, the MAM-T is designed to integrate seamlessly with aerial platforms such as the Bayraktar TB3, enhancing their combat effectiveness in complex operational environments.
The Bayraktar TB3 previously achieved a groundbreaking milestone on November 19, 2024, when it successfully took off and landed on the short deck of the TCG Anadolu, a multi-purpose amphibious assault ship equipped with a 12-degree ski-jump ramp. The aircraft completed a 46-minute flight over the intersection of the Aegean Sea and the Mediterranean, demonstrating its capability to operate from short-runway vessels without the need for catapult or arresting systems—an unprecedented feat in global aviation. Following its initial success, the Bayraktar TB3 continued sea trials, executing a second takeoff and landing sequence off the coast of Çanakkale. Throughout these tests, the UCAV demonstrated exceptional performance, maintaining an average altitude of 20,000 feet and achieving all required test parameters.
The Bayraktar TB3 has also proven its high-altitude capabilities. On June 25, 2024, it successfully completed a High-Altitude System Performance Test at the Baykar Flight Training and Test Center, reaching an impressive altitude of 36,310 feet. This was made possible by the TEI PD-170 engine, an indigenous powerplant that provides the UCAV with enhanced endurance and operational ceiling. The Bayraktar AKINCI, another advanced UCAV developed by Baykar, currently holds Türkiye’s altitude record at 45,118 feet.
To date, the Bayraktar TB3 has accumulated a total of 887 hours and 23 minutes of flight time, underscoring its reliability and endurance. Notably, in a long-range test conducted on December 20, 2023, the aircraft remained airborne for an impressive 32 consecutive hours, covering a distance of 5,700 kilometers—an achievement that solidifies its role in long-endurance missions.
A significant milestone in the TB3’s development was achieved on March 26, 2024, when it completed its first flight with the Aselsan ASELFLIR-500 system, an advanced electro-optical reconnaissance, surveillance, and targeting system that has been integrated into the platform. The ASELFLIR-500 has proven to outperform its global competitors, enhancing the TB3’s ability to conduct precision strikes and reconnaissance missions.
Designed with foldable wings to facilitate operations from vessels with limited deck space, the Bayraktar TB3 offers a unique advantage in naval operations. Equipped with beyond-line-of-sight (BLOS) communication capabilities, it can be controlled from remote locations, providing Türkiye with extended operational reach. With these capabilities, the TB3 is positioned to serve as a force multiplier for Türkiye’s defense strategy, enabling it to conduct reconnaissance, surveillance, intelligence, and precision strike missions against overseas targets with its advanced smart munitions.
The Bayraktar TB3’s success represents a major leap in Türkiye’s indigenous defense industry, showcasing the country’s ability to develop and deploy advanced UAV technology for modern battlefield requirements. As testing and integration continue, the TB3 is expected to enhance Türkiye’s deterrence capabilities and serve as a critical asset in the nation’s defense arsenal.
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The Turkish-made Bayraktar TB3 Unmanned Combat Aerial Vehicle (UCAV), which recently made history by becoming the world’s first armed unmanned aerial vehicle to take off and land on a short-runway vessel, has successfully completed its first firing test with the MAM-T (Mini Smart Munition-T) munition, hitting its target with pinpoint accuracy. This historic achievement underscores Türkiye’s growing capabilities in the field of unmanned aerial warfare and highlights the TB3’s operational readiness for maritime and land-based missions.
Follow Army Recognition on Google News at this link
The Turkish-made Bayraktar TB3 Unmanned Combat Aerial Vehicle (UCAV) equipped with MAM-T (Mini Smart Munition-T), showcasing its advanced strike capabilities for precision targeting in modern combat operations. (Picture source: Baykar)
On January 17, 2025, the Bayraktar TB3 UCAV took off from the Baykar Flight Training and Test Center in Keşan, Edirne, carrying two Roketsan MAM-T munitions. During the test, the UCAV utilized Aselsan’s ASELFLIR-500 Electro-Optical Reconnaissance, Surveillance, and Targeting System to identify and engage its designated target with precision. This milestone marks a critical step in the TB3’s development, with further payload and munitions integration tests planned in accordance with its development timeline.
The MAM-T (Mini Smart Munition-T) is an advanced smart micro munition developed by the Turkish defense company Roketsan, designed to enhance operational capabilities by providing high-precision strike options against both stationary and moving targets. It features an extended range, capable of engaging targets at distances exceeding 30 kilometers when launched from UAVs. This range can extend to over 60 kilometers when deployed from light attack aircraft and up to 80 kilometers when launched from fighter jets, offering significant tactical flexibility.
Equipped with a semi-active laser seeker, the MAM-T ensures high precision, making it highly effective against a wide range of threats. The munition incorporates a high-explosive blast fragmentation warhead, optimized for maximum destructive power against armored vehicles, fortified structures, and other critical targets. With a diameter of 230 mm, a length of 1.4 meters, and a weight of approximately 95 kilograms, the MAM-T is designed to integrate seamlessly with aerial platforms such as the Bayraktar TB3, enhancing their combat effectiveness in complex operational environments.
The Bayraktar TB3 previously achieved a groundbreaking milestone on November 19, 2024, when it successfully took off and landed on the short deck of the TCG Anadolu, a multi-purpose amphibious assault ship equipped with a 12-degree ski-jump ramp. The aircraft completed a 46-minute flight over the intersection of the Aegean Sea and the Mediterranean, demonstrating its capability to operate from short-runway vessels without the need for catapult or arresting systems—an unprecedented feat in global aviation. Following its initial success, the Bayraktar TB3 continued sea trials, executing a second takeoff and landing sequence off the coast of Çanakkale. Throughout these tests, the UCAV demonstrated exceptional performance, maintaining an average altitude of 20,000 feet and achieving all required test parameters.
The Bayraktar TB3 has also proven its high-altitude capabilities. On June 25, 2024, it successfully completed a High-Altitude System Performance Test at the Baykar Flight Training and Test Center, reaching an impressive altitude of 36,310 feet. This was made possible by the TEI PD-170 engine, an indigenous powerplant that provides the UCAV with enhanced endurance and operational ceiling. The Bayraktar AKINCI, another advanced UCAV developed by Baykar, currently holds Türkiye’s altitude record at 45,118 feet.
To date, the Bayraktar TB3 has accumulated a total of 887 hours and 23 minutes of flight time, underscoring its reliability and endurance. Notably, in a long-range test conducted on December 20, 2023, the aircraft remained airborne for an impressive 32 consecutive hours, covering a distance of 5,700 kilometers—an achievement that solidifies its role in long-endurance missions.
A significant milestone in the TB3’s development was achieved on March 26, 2024, when it completed its first flight with the Aselsan ASELFLIR-500 system, an advanced electro-optical reconnaissance, surveillance, and targeting system that has been integrated into the platform. The ASELFLIR-500 has proven to outperform its global competitors, enhancing the TB3’s ability to conduct precision strikes and reconnaissance missions.
Designed with foldable wings to facilitate operations from vessels with limited deck space, the Bayraktar TB3 offers a unique advantage in naval operations. Equipped with beyond-line-of-sight (BLOS) communication capabilities, it can be controlled from remote locations, providing Türkiye with extended operational reach. With these capabilities, the TB3 is positioned to serve as a force multiplier for Türkiye’s defense strategy, enabling it to conduct reconnaissance, surveillance, intelligence, and precision strike missions against overseas targets with its advanced smart munitions.
The Bayraktar TB3’s success represents a major leap in Türkiye’s indigenous defense industry, showcasing the country’s ability to develop and deploy advanced UAV technology for modern battlefield requirements. As testing and integration continue, the TB3 is expected to enhance Türkiye’s deterrence capabilities and serve as a critical asset in the nation’s defense arsenal.
