Historic Demonstration from Bayraktar TB3 in NATO Exercise: Took Off from a Short Runway, Hit the Target with Full Accuracy
The Bayraktar TB3 UCAV took off from TCG Anadolu during the NATO Steadfast Dart 2026 exercise and struck targets with full accuracy using MAM-L munitions. TB3 successfully completed its first operational demonstration abroad.
The Bayraktar TB3 Armed Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UCAV) carried out its first operational demonstration abroad as part of Steadfast Dart 2026, one of NATO’s most comprehensive exercises. The national UCAV, which performed an autonomous takeoff from the short runway of TCG Anadolu, achieved full accuracy in MAM-L strikes against naval targets.
A Critical Threshold in Naval Aviation
According to a statement by BAYKAR, the Turkish defense industry has passed another significant stage in sea-based UCAV capability.
Bayraktar TB3 took part in the naval phase of Steadfast Dart 2026, one of NATO’s largest exercises conducted in 2026.
The national UCAV stationed on TCG Anadolu once again proved its operational capability in the field by autonomously taking off from a short runway.
Dual Salvo with MAM-L: Targets Hit with Full Accuracy
Within the exercise scenario, Bayraktar TB3, which took off from the ship, used MAM-L munitions in a dual salvo against the designated surface target.
It was reported that the targets were destroyed with full accuracy in the conducted strikes. Allied country elements participating in the exercise reportedly gave full marks to the performance of the national UCAV.
Following the strikes, Bayraktar TB3 successfully completed its mission by landing safely on the short-runway ship.
A World First: Operational UCAV from a Short-Runway Ship
Bayraktar TB3 has the distinction of being the world’s first UCAV capable of conducting operations with takeoff and landing on short-runway ships.
This activity within the scope of Steadfast Dart 2026 carries strategic importance as TB3’s first operational demonstration in an overseas operational area. This capability was assessed as a critical factor enhancing Türkiye’s power projection capacity overseas.
NATO Shares Post on the 66th Mechanized Infantry Brigade
Meanwhile, NATO also drew attention to Turkish Armed Forces elements serving in Germany within the scope of the exercise.
In a social media post by NATO Allied Joint Force Command Brunssum, personnel from the Turkish Armed Forces’ 66th Mechanized Infantry Brigade were featured.
The post included the message: “We are strong. We are brave. We are ready.” In the video, Staff Sergeant Doğukan Durak stated that when Türkiye’s national weapon systems combine with the discipline of Turkish soldiers, a strong deterrence emerges.
Durak said, “We are not only conducting exercises here; we are showing that we are ready in the field against all kinds of threats.”
https://www.airportgundem.com/nato-tatbikatinda-tb3ten-deniz-hedeflerine-ikili-salvo/
