Türkiye’s Bayraktar TB3 lights up night in successful drone test video

Turkish defence company Baykar has announced the successful completion of nighttime flight tests for its next-generation Bayraktar TB3 strike drone, marking a major milestone in the unmanned aerial vehicle’s (UAV) development.

The tests were conducted aboard TCG Anadolu, Türkiye’s first aircraft carrier, and included fully autonomous takeoff and landing procedures supported by artificial intelligence, Caliber.Az reports, citing Baykar's message on X.

Ne yakamozdur ne de mehtap…
Işık saçan kanatlarımızdır! ✈️

It is neither moonlight nor shimmering tide—
It is our radiant wings that light the night! #BayraktarTB3 ⚓️ TCG Anadolu #MilliTeknolojiHamlesi 🌍🇹🇷 pic.twitter.com/Mb2qGLtrlb

— BAYKAR (@BaykarTech) June 25, 2025

The flight took place under low-visibility nighttime conditions, showcasing the drone’s advanced capabilities in both automation and carrier operations. 

The Bayraktar TB3, known for its foldable wing design, is engineered for operations from short-runway naval platforms. Its successful night operations are seen as a key step toward full deployment in Türkiye’s naval aviation units. 

The company shared footage and details of the test on X, highlighting the significance of the achievement. 

“That’s not moonlight or shimmering tides — it’s our radiant wings lighting up the night!” Baykar wrote in a post accompanying the announcement.

By Naila Huseynova