Global naval shift: Türkiye, China, and Iran introduce UAV aircraft carriers PHOTO

Türkiye, Iran, and China are quietly transforming the landscape of naval warfare by introducing the world’s first aircraft carriers specifically designed for unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs).

In an analysis published by Business Insider, the move is highlighted as a major milestone in the evolution of modern naval conflict, marking the beginning of a new era in which UAVs play a crucial role at sea.

The article details that Türkiye has made significant strides in naval capabilities with the introduction of the amphibious assault ship TCG Anadolu, which was commissioned into the Turkish Navy in 2023. The ship, originally ordered in 2015, is positioned as a key asset in Türkiye’s broader efforts to modernise its military forces. TCG Anadolu is the world’s first purpose-built UAV carrier, designed with a versatile mission profile, allowing it to accommodate multiple types of UAVs. It will feature drones such as the Bayraktar TB3, a naval version of the Bayraktar TB2, and the Kızılelma, a UAV with capabilities comparable to a fighter jet.

Türkiye is also exploring the construction of a second, even larger aircraft carrier, which would be similar to TCG Anadolu but exceed it in size, further solidifying its position as a naval power in the region.

Meanwhile, China has introduced the Sichuan, a massive amphibious assault ship launched on December 27. At 853 feet long and weighing over 40,000 tons, Sichuan has earned the distinction of being the world’s largest ship capable of launching UAVs from its deck. 

Iran, too, has made strides in UAV naval warfare by converting a container vessel into a UAV carrier named Shehit Bahman Bagheri. The 170-meter-long ship features a large flight deck that can accommodate a variety of UAV models. This conversion exemplifies Iran's ability to adapt existing naval resources to new technological advancements in unmanned warfare.

Military experts suggest that UAV carriers are a game-changer in 21st-century naval combat. The ability to deploy drones without pilots not only eliminates the political consequences associated with the loss of human life but also allows for quicker production and deployment of UAVs. This makes UAV carriers a highly effective tool in naval strategies, offering significant advantages in terms of speed, flexibility, and operational reach.

With these developments, Türkiye, Iran, and China are positioning themselves at the forefront of a rapidly evolving naval arms race, reshaping the dynamics of maritime conflict and naval power.

By Tamilla Hasanova