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Bayraktar TB3, Drone That Gained Fame Fighting Russia in Ukraine, Now Fires From NATO Warship
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![Photo of Katherina Popilnichenko]( "Photo of Katherina Popilnichenko")
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The Bayraktar TB3 reconnaissance and strike drone has completed its first international deployment during NATO’s Steadfast Dart 2026 exercises.
According to statements from the Turkish manufacturer, Baykar, the unmanned aircraft operated from the TCG Anadolu universal landing ship throughout the drills, which began in January and are scheduled to conclude in March.
During the exercise, the TB3 launched from the ship’s deck to engage and destroy surface targets using MAM-L munitions before returning to the TCG Anadolu, according to Defense Express on February 17.
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Baykar issued a press release stating that the drone “once again proved its effectiveness, demonstrating autonomous takeoff capabilities from a short runway and firepower.” The company also noted that the drone “made an impression” on other participants in the exercise.
Technical data provided by Baykar indicates that the TB3 has a maximum takeoff weight of 1,600 kg and can carry a payload of up to 280 kg. It features six attachment points for weapons, which is an increase from the four points found on the earlier Bayraktar TB2 model.
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The MAM-L high-precision guided munitions used in the exercise have recently seen performance updates. Information from the Roketsan catalog earlier this year revealed that the MAM-L IIR version, equipped with an infrared homing head, now has an increased range of 40 km, up from its previous 25 km limit.
These MAM-L munitions gained significant recognition in 2022 when they were used extensively by Ukrainian Defense Forces. Operating from Bayraktar TB2 drones, the munitions were used to destroy various types of Russian military hardware, including tanks and anti-aircraft missile systems.
Earlier, Ukrainian forces successfully adapted heavy UAVs to deploy sophisticated Swedish 155mm BONUS smart shells, marking a significant tactical shift in the war. This hybrid approach was highlighted when a drone-dropped submunition utilized infrared and lidar sensors to strike a Russian Buk anti-aircraft system with a high-precision top-attack.
These operations, conducted between February 9 and 14, targeted numerous high-value facilities, including an Iskander missile storage site in Crimea and an oil terminal in southern Russia, as Ukraine moved away from traditional artillery to avoid detection and electronic warfare.
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-72b63a4e0c8c475ad81fe3eed3f63729.jpeg "Photo of Cyril Barabaltchouk")
