From land to sea: Bayraktar TB3 brings unmatched flexibility to Turkish forces PHOTO/VIDEO

The Turkish Armed Forces have officially inducted the Bayraktar TB3 unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) into the Land Forces Command, marking a significant advancement in the country’s drone warfare capabilities. The decision to prioritize the TB3 over its predecessor, the widely used Bayraktar TB2, reflects a strategic shift toward more versatile and high-performance UAV systems.

According to SavunmaSanayiST.com, via a post on social media platform X, Selçuk Bayraktar, Chairman of the Board of Baykar, outlined the technical superiority of the TB3 and the rationale behind its selection, Caliber.Az reports.

"Bayraktar TB3, 1.5 ton. Bayraktar TB2, 750 kilo. Mühimmat taşıma kapasitesi Bayraktar TB2'nin 150 kilo. Bayraktar TB3'ün 300 kiloya kadar ve daha yüksek irtifaya çıkıyor.

Çok daha gelişmiş yerli bir motoru var TEI tarafından yapılan. Hatta o sınıftaki dünyadaki en iyi… pic.twitter.com/WNlk6dlZtc

— SavunmaSanayiST.com (@SavunmaSanayiST) September 16, 2025

“The Bayraktar TB3 weighs 1.5 tons, compared to 750 kilograms for the TB2,” Bayraktar stated. “The TB2 has a payload capacity of 150 kilograms, while the TB3 can carry up to 300 kilograms and operate at higher altitudes.”

Bayraktar emphasized that the TB3 is powered by a next-generation domestically produced engine developed by TEI, describing it as the best aviation engine in its class globally. This engine significantly enhances the drone's endurance and operational ceiling, making it suitable for a broader range of military applications.

All critical systems—including software, electronics, ammunition, and electro-optical components—are produced in Türkiye, underscoring the country's commitment to defence industry self-sufficiency. Notably, the advanced imaging system developed by defence electronics giant Aselsan is reported to be twice as effective as previous versions.

#BayraktarTB3 ⚓️ TCG ANADOLU

🛫 Yapay Zeka Destekli Tam Otomatik Kalkış ve İniş Testleri pic.twitter.com/YMIChuTtlA

— SavunmaSanayiST.com (@SavunmaSanayiST) September 15, 2025

“One of the TB3’s most distinguishing features is its expanded payload capacity,” Bayraktar explained. “It’s powered by a cutting-edge turbodiesel engine—still a rarity in aviation. The aircraft is also capable of takeoff and landing on naval vessels with short runways, thanks to its unique aerodynamic design and specialized lifting surfaces.”

He added that the TB3’s systems are not only more modern but also more adaptable than those of the TB2, offering longer flight durations, higher operational ceilings, and maritime capabilities previously unavailable in the TB2 platform.

By Vafa Guliyeva