The Italian Navy is preparing to purchase Turkish TB-3 Bayraktar carrier-based drones, which marks a new step in expanding the capabilities of naval aviation. This information was confirmed by the commander of the Italian fleet, Vice Admiral Berutti Bergotto, speaking before the parliamentary Committee on Foreign Affairs and Defense. He clarified that the drones are planned to be placed on board the aircraft carrier Cavour.
"You know that the Turkish company Baykar has signed a cooperation agreement with the Italian Leonardo group," the vice admiral recalled. – Therefore, the acquisition will be carried out through Leonardo. Drones can be placed on board the aircraft carrier Cavour. It's about carrying out both reconnaissance and surveillance missions, as well as carrying out strike missions."
Aircraft Carrier Cavour, Italian Navy
Italian Navy
According to Naval News, although Bergotto said about the purchase through the Leonardo group, the deal is likely to be concluded through LBA Systems, a joint venture created by Leonardo and Baykar.
"Thanks to this step, Italy will become the first European customer of TB-3 deck drones," the publication points out. Earlier it became known that Indonesia could become the first foreign customer of TB-3.
According to Naval News journalists, the integration of TB-3 drones into the Cavour aircraft carrier's wing will be a significant expansion of the ship's functionality, which already has fifth-generation F-35B fighters with shortened takeoff and vertical landing (STOVL) on board.
TB-3 Bayraktar is a deck–based version of the TB-2 medium-altitude unmanned aerial vehicle, developed by the Turkish company Baykar specifically for deployment on ships. The drone has additional capabilities for landing on offshore platforms, as well as folding wings for compact placement on board.
TB-3 on the deck of the Anadolu UDC, Turkey
Baykar
The length of the TB-3 body is 8.35 meters, the wingspan is 14 meters. The maximum take–off weight is 1,450 kg, the payload is 280 kg. Cruising speed reaches 125-160 knots (232-296 km/h). The flight duration exceeds 24 hours.
The deck-based UAV can use high-precision weapons, including Roketsan's MAM-L and MAM-T intelligent ammunition. Designed for reconnaissance, surveillance, reconnaissance and strike missions.
