Japan, South Korea closely watching Bayraktar TB-3 PHOTO

The countdown for the Bayraktar TB-3, which has been placed on the conveyor for the first time, continues.

Japan and South Korea are also closely monitoring TB-3, which will give Türkiye a very important initiative through TCG Anadolu. TB-3, which can take off from the middle of the sea, will also differ from its predecessor TB-2 - ammunition, according to TRT Haber.

The fact that Türkiye is one of the best in the world for unmanned aerial vehicles is an issue that everyone agrees on. It's no secret that Baykar, which has had a major impact on the battlefield, especially with the TB-2, also works in an accelerated schedule for the TB-3 with folding wings.

Bayraktar TB-3, which will be able to take off from short-range runways, was recently shown on the assembly line for the first time. TB-3 is expected to make its first flight this year.

TCG Anadolu, the largest platform ever built by the domestic and national defence industry for the Turkish Navy, will enter combat duty this year. After it became clear that the F-35B could not land on TCG Anadolu, which has a short runway, Türkiye began to prepare various options.

Baykar, one of the companies, having rolled up its sleeves in this process, announced that it could raise an unmanned combat aircraft with TCG Anadolu.

Baykar Technology leader Selcuk Bayraktar, challenging his rival from the United States, said: "An American company has published the news that they will be the first to build a drone carrier, but let's see who will do it first."

The issue of ammunition was also raised because the mini-bombs with laser guidance used on the TB-2 are ineffective in marine weather conditions. In this context, it is not surprising that infrared or radar-guided munitions are becoming even more in demand in the TB-3.

The fact that the TB-3 will become one of the very few unmanned aerial vehicles with folding wings also increases the export potential of the platform. At this point, countries located close to the islands come to the fore. It is known that Japan is interested in TB-3.

Japan and almost all countries with naval platforms, such as TCG Anadolu, are likely to cross paths with TB-3. The fact that the TB-3, which will make its first flight in 2023, will carry the flags of the whole world, could be an important milestone for Türkiye at the diplomatic table.