Bayraktar TB3
Summary
| Category | Military Drones |
| Origin country | 🇹🇷 Turkey |
| Manufacturer | Baykar |
| First flight | 27 October 2023 |
| Year introduced | 2025 |
Technical specifications
| Version: Bayraktar TB3 | |
|---|---|
| Operational range | 2,000 km (1,243 mi) |
| Maximum speed | 300 km/h (186 mph) |
| Wingspan | 14 m (45.9 ft) |
| Height | 2.6 m (8.5 ft) |
| Length | 8.4 m (27.4 ft) |
| Max. takeoff weight | 1,450 kg (3,197 lbs) |
| Powerplant | 1 x TEI-PD170 or TEI-PD200 |
All operators
Armament
Missiles payload:
- Anti-Tank L-UMTAS
- Air-to-Surface Roketsan Cirit
- Air-to-Surface TUBITAK-SAGE BOZOK
- Cruise KUZGUN-TjM
- Air-to-Surface KUZGUN-SS
- Air-to-Surface Roketsan IHA-122
Bombs payload:
- Guided Bomb MAM-C
- Guided Bomb MAM-L
- Guided Bomb MAM-T
- Guided Bomb TUBITAK-SAGE TOGAN
Description
The Baykar Bayraktar TB3 is a Turkish carrier-based medium-altitude long-endurance (MALE) unmanned combat aerial vehicle (UCAV) designed for short-range take-off and landing (STOL) operations. Developed by Baykar, the aircraft was announced on October 29, 2020. The first prototype was made public on March 27, 2023, and the maiden flight occurred on October 27, 2023. On November 19, 2024, the TB3 completed its first take-off and landing on the Turkish amphibious assault ship TCG Anadolu. The aircraft entered the inventory of the Turkish Land Forces in September 2025.
The TB3 is constructed with folding wings to accommodate carrier-based storage and operations. It has a length of 8.35 meters, a height of 2.6 meters, and a wingspan of 14 meters. The aircraft has a maximum take-off weight of 1,450 kilograms and a payload capacity of 280 kilograms. It is powered by either a TEI-PD170 or a TEI-PD200 engine. Performance specifications include a maximum speed of 160 knots, a cruise speed of 125 knots, and an operational range of 1,100 nautical miles. Avionics consist of a Multi-Mode AESA Radar or interchangeable electro-optical systems, specifically the Aselsan ASELFLIR 500 or the Aselsan CATS.
The armament system comprises six hardpoints for laser-guided smart munitions. The TB3 carries various weapon systems, including L-UMTAS long-range anti-tank missiles, Roketsan Cirit 70 mm missiles, and MAM-C, MAM-L, and MAM-T precision-guided munitions. It also utilizes TUBITAK-SAGE BOZOK laser-guided rockets, TOGAN 81 mm mortar munitions, and KUZGUN modular ammunition in both turbojet (KUZGUN-TjM) and free-soaring (KUZGUN-SS) variants. In March 2025, the TB3 conducted the first successful test of the Roketsan IHA-122 supersonic missile, which has a range of over 50 kilometers.
Operational history includes participation in NATO's Steadfast Dart 2026 exercise in the Baltic region on February 18, 2026. During this mission, the drone launched from the TCG Anadolu and covered 1,700 kilometers while operating in freezing temperatures and heavy snowfall. It successfully engaged surface targets with MAM-L munitions and completed an eight-hour joint sortie with German Air Force Eurofighter Typhoons.
The Turkish Land Forces and Turkish Naval Forces are the primary operators. In February 2025, Indonesia signed an agreement to acquire 60 TB3 units for the Indonesian Navy, which includes provisions for joint production. These aircraft are intended for use on the ship Giuseppe Garibaldi.