Colombian air force eyes Turkish Bayraktar TB3 for fleet modernization VIDEO

High-ranking officials from the Colombian Air Force (FAC) have traveled to Türkiye to assess the operational capabilities of the Bayraktar TB3, a newly developed unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) from Turkish manufacturer Baykar.

The Bayraktar TB3, which completed its inaugural flight in October 2023, is being evaluated as part of Colombia’s broader efforts to modernize its fleet of remotely piloted aircraft, Caliber.Az reports citing Turkish media.

The FAC’s interest in the Bayraktar TB3 is driven by the need for a medium-altitude, long-endurance (MALE) UAV capable of enhancing Colombia's surveillance and reconnaissance capabilities. The Colombian Air Force is currently exploring options to replace its aging fleet of Israeli Elbit Systems Hermes 900 and 450 UAVs, although upgrade programs for these existing models remain available.

🇹🇷Türkiye marks a historic milestone!

Watch the Bayraktar TB3 successfully land and take off from the TCG Anadolu.#TB3 pic.twitter.com/CtkSsyAdop

— International Defence Analysis (@Defence_IDA) November 19, 2024

While the Bayraktar TB3 presents a promising alternative, it differs from the Airbus Sirtap tactical RPAS (Atlante-II), another system that Colombia plans to incorporate into its fleet. Preliminary plans indicate that Colombia intends to acquire up to six units of the Sirtap model. The evaluation of the Bayraktar TB3, therefore, forms a critical part of the FAC’s decision-making process regarding its future UAV fleet.

Designed primarily for reconnaissance, surveillance, intelligence gathering, and weapons deployment over extended distances, the Bayraktar TB3 offers a robust set of capabilities. Its communication systems enable both line-of-sight (LOS) and beyond line-of-sight (BLOS) operations, making it suitable for a range of military applications.

Key specifications of the Bayraktar TB3 include:

Maximum takeoff weight: 1,450 kg

Wingspan: 14 meters

Length: 8.35 meters

Height: 2.6 meters

Payload capacity: 280 kg

Maximum speed: 296 km/h (powered by a PD170 turbodiesel engine)

Endurance: Over 24 hours

Service ceiling: Approximately 9,000 meters

The Bayraktar TB3 is designed to operate with full autonomy, including autonomous takeoff, landing, and taxiing, which extends its utility for short-runway operations, such as those on aircraft carriers. Its advanced features go beyond reconnaissance and intelligence gathering; the UAV can also conduct armed operations with precision-guided munitions mounted under its wings.

Additional features of the Bayraktar TB3 include:

Autonomous takeoff, landing, and taxiing

Operational altitude: 20,000 feet

Communication capabilities: LOS and BLOS

Naval and land-based operational configurations

Payload options: laser-guided, INS/GPS-guided, infrared-guided, and air-to-air munitions

ISR (Intelligence, Surveillance, and Reconnaissance) capabilities: interchangeable EO/IR/LD systems, multi-mode AESA radar, ELINT, and sonobuoys

The Colombian Air Force’s evaluation of the Bayraktar TB3 UAV is part of an ongoing effort to upgrade and expand its aerial surveillance and defence assets. As Colombia continues to assess potential additions to its UAV fleet, the decision on whether the Bayraktar TB3 aligns with the FAC's strategic goals will play a significant role in shaping the future of the country’s unmanned aviation capabilities.

The outcome of this evaluation is eagerly awaited, as it could have a considerable impact on Colombia’s defence and surveillance operations in the coming years.

By Vafa Guliyeva