Haluk Bayraktar explained why Asian countries are interested in their systems. He said that China is reluctant to sell its UAVs to many Asian countries in its neighbourhood, “and we are providing those countries a better option.”
Baykar is currently developing a TB-3 UAV capable of taking off and landing from aircraft carriers and landing helicopter dock-class vessels. The first TB-3 is expected to be unveiled this year before the TCG Anadolu, Turkey’s first LHD-class vessel, is commissioned.
On Saturday, Ismail Demir, President of
Defence Industries, told local media that the TCG Anadolu would be designed to
launch 50 to 110 drones, depending on the configuration.
“The future TB-3 will be a wonderful fit for
Japan’s Izumo-class ships,” said the CEO, referring to Japan’s multi-purpose
destroyer. The foldable wings of the drone will allow a carrier to carry more
of them than fixed-wing aircraft.
Baykar is not the only Turkish drone-maker. The
daily remind Turkish Aerospace Industries (TUSAŞ), another major defence
company that reached an agreement with Kazakhstan for its ANKA UAV.
