Japanese Media shows interest in Turkish UAVs

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Japanese Media shows interest in Turkish UAVs

Turkish drones have become a point of interest that most military experts would not assume until the war in Ukraine. They mainly flew Syria, Libya, and Armenia, where the air defence systems are weak. The war in Ukraine changed the perception because Russia has its own robust air defence systems. The S-400 hit the Ukrainian Su-27 Flanker but not TB2. While the flight of UAVs is a source of morale for Ukrainian civilians, Asia pays more and more interest to them. The CEO of Baykar Technologies, Haluk Bayraktar spoke about their system to Japanese Nikkei Asia Daily.

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.”

Japanese Media shows interest in Turkish UAVs

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.

Japanese Media shows interest in Turkish UAVs

“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.