Stationed on the world's first UCAV carrier TCG Anadolu, Bayraktar TB3 has proven its mettle once again, this time in the international arena. Taking off within the scope of the Steadfast Dart-2026 NATO Exercise, the national UCAV hit the target with a direct hit in the salvo fire test performed with Roketsan-produced MAM-L munitions. The footage shared by Selçuk Bayraktar revealed the integration of Turkish UCAVs into NATO doctrine and their striking power in naval aviation.
The Turkish defense industry confirms its developed concepts not only in national exercises but also in NATO's most prestigious organizations. Developed by Baykar and capable of operating from short-runway ships like TCG Anadolu thanks to its foldable wing structure, Bayraktar TB3 executed a critical mission in the Steadfast Dart-2026 Exercise. Successfully performing a salvo shot, which means firing multiple munitions simultaneously or in rapid succession, TB3 proved its deterrence against naval targets.
Takeoff from TCG Anadolu, Bull's Eye on NATO Target
In the video shared by Selçuk Bayraktar on his social media account, Bayraktar TB3 is seen taking off from the flight deck of TCG Anadolu and heading towards the naval target determined by the exercise scenario.
Operasyonun en dikkat çekici yanı, SİHA’nın 2 adet MAM-L (Mini Akıllı Mühimmat) füzesini salvo moduyla, yani peş peşe ve koordine bir şekilde ateşlemesi oldu. Lazer arayıcı başlığa sahip mühimmatlar, hedefi tam isabetle imha etti.
Why is Salvo Fire Important?
Unlike single shots, salvo capability is a critical skill for overcoming the target's defense systems (saturation) or creating a definitive destructive effect on the target. This capability of Bayraktar TB3 shows that it is a lethal force against fast attack crafts or small-tonnage ships in naval warfare.
Roketsan and Baykar Cooperation on Stage
The MAM-L munitions used in the operation are among the most well-known products developed by Roketsan for UCAVs, bearing the combat proven label globally. Capable of being equipped with armor-piercing, thermobaric, or blast-fragmentation warheads, MAM-L offers high precision against naval targets under the wings of Bayraktar TB3.
Interoperability Message in NATO Exercise
Steadfast Dart-2026 is a strategic exercise where NATO countries test the interoperability of their air and naval elements. Bayraktar TB3's active participation in this exercise, taking off from TCG Anadolu, carries the following meanings:
- Compliance with NATO Standards: Turkish UCAVs fully comply with NATO's complex command-control networks and data links.
- Acceptance of the Concept: The UCAV Carrier and Ship-Based UCAV concept, a world first, is viewed and tested as an operational capability by NATO allies as well.
In his post, Selçuk Bayraktar emphasized that the success was not only technical but also a doctrinal victory by adding the notes "TCG Anadolu, Steadfast Dart-2026 NATO Exercise, Bull's Eye."
