Bayraktar TB3 conducts successful Baltic flight demo in freezing NATO exercise

The Bayraktar TB3 unmanned combat aerial vehicle successfully completed a flight demonstration over the Baltic Sea on Feb. 18, 2026, operating from TCG Anadolu as part of NATO's Steadfast Dart 2026 exercise. Despite freezing temperatures, heavy snowfall, and strong winds, the indigenous Turkish UCAV executed its mission, demonstrating all-weather operational capability.

NATO Exercise Integration

Steadfast Dart 2026, one of NATO's major exercises, provides a platform for allied forces to demonstrate interoperability and readiness. The TB3's deployment aboard TCG Anadolu—the world's first unmanned combat aerial vehicle-capable amphibious assault ship—marks a significant milestone in Türkiye's naval aviation integration. The sortie showcased the platform's ability to operate in challenging maritime environments.

Indigenous Technology Demonstration

Developed by Baykar, the TB3 represents a key advancement in Türkiye's unmanned systems portfolio, featuring folding wings for shipboard operations and extended range capabilities. The successful Baltic demonstration reinforces the platform's operational maturity and suitability for NATO missions under adverse weather conditions.