In a bid to capitalize on the success of its renowned TB2 drone, Turkish firm Baykar has unveiled its latest offering: the Bayraktar TB3 naval drone. With its inaugural flight taking place in October, the TB3 promises enhanced features catered to the needs of the Turkish navy's new flagship, the TCG Anadolu aircraft carrier.

Distinguishing itself from its predecessor, the TB3 boasts folding wings, a design innovation that optimizes deck space utilization on naval vessels. Furthermore, initial assessments suggest that the TB3 can accommodate a higher maximum takeoff weight compared to the TB2. This capability enables the drone to carry a heavier payload or an increased amount of fuel, ultimately extending its operational range.

While the TB2 has gained widespread recognition, having been sold to 30 countries, the TB3's naval-oriented design may limit its appeal at first glance. However, experts believe that the TB3's potential for export remains promising, largely due to the resounding success of its predecessor.

Ali Bakir, a Turkey expert and non-resident senior fellow at the Atlantic Council's Middle East program, suggests that nations already equipped with the TB2 are natural candidates to acquire the newer and more advanced TB3 model. Notable among these potential buyers are Qatar, Libya, Azerbaijan, and Ukraine.

Turkey's drone technology has swiftly progressed, and its offerings remain more cost-effective compared to those of other countries. Bakir notes that countries seeking to diversify their defense acquisitions while balancing affordability and high-performance equipment may find the TB3 an attractive option. In particular, countries with expansive coastlines and a need to defend their waters, operating ships akin to the Anadolu, including light aircraft carriers, landing helicopter docks, or amphibious assault ships, may express interest in the TB3 for their naval fleets.

Moreover, Turkey aims to expand its defense exports to Latin America, although the success of this endeavor is yet to be seen, according to Bakir. To further widen its customer base, Turkey is exploring potential markets among countries possessing landing helicopter docks and similar warships. Haluk Bayraktar, CEO of Baykar Defense, expressed confidence in the TB3's compatibility with Japan's Izumo-class platforms, as Japan transforms its Izumo-class helicopter carriers into dedicated aircraft carriers for its F-35B jets.

In a display of ambition, Turkey contemplates the construction of drone carriers for export. Discussions surrounding a potential contract for building a landing helicopter dock similar to the Anadolu, which would also incorporate drones, are currently ongoing with one of the Arab Gulf states. The United Arab Emirates (UAE) emerges as a probable candidate, with the chairman of the board of directors of UAE defense conglomerate Edge revealing talks with Baykar to integrate missiles on their drones and potentially acquire the TB3 model.

Turkey has touted the Anadolu as the world's first true drone carrier, although modifications were necessary after being excluded from the F-35 program. While the TB3 was expected to secure this distinction, the honor has purportedly gone to the US-made Mojave drone, manufactured by General Atomics. However, industry experts maintain that the TB3's overall value remains unaffected. Nevertheless, it may pose implications for sales to countries preferring to procure from the US, including allies like Japan and South Korea. Egypt's Mistral-class amphibious assault ship, on the other hand, could still be a viable option for the TB3.

Although the prospect of exporting Turkish amphibious assault ships alongside the Anadolu might not be immediate, Turkish export plans have entailed collaboration with Spanish shipbuilder Navantia. The feasibility of a similar deal with the UAE at present remains uncertain.

As Baykar continues to innovate and expand its drone offerings, the TB3's performance and export prospects remain under intense scrutiny. With its advanced capabilities tailored to naval operations, the TB3 holds the potential to carve out a niche in the global defense market, offering both efficiency and affordability to interested buyers.