By dispatching its largest fleet to date to the Baltic Sea, where a major NATO joint exercise is currently underway, the Turkish Navy showcased its substantial naval power-projection capability to the world. During the exercise, and notably for the first time in NATO history, an armed unmanned aerial vehicle launched from a flat-deck amphibious assault ship successfully executed a precision strike against a maritime target, thereby establishing a new paradigm for the future of naval warfare.
The military analysis platform Naval News reported on February 21 that, by participating in NATO’s principal joint exercise "Steadfast Dart 2026", conducted under Germany’s leadership from January 2 to March 18, the Turkish Navy secured notable military achievements.
"UAV Ship," TCG Anadolu's Emergency... Lethal Strike of Bayraktar TB3
The unquestionable focal point of this Turkish unit is the 27,000-tonne amphibious assault ship TCG Anadolu, recognised as the world’s first “UAV ship". The task force formed around Anadolu includes the 3,000-tonne advanced frigate İstanbul, produced using Türkiye’s domestic technology, the comprehensively modernised Oruçreis, and the fast logistics support vessel Derya. This formation was dispatched to the Baltic Sea, nearly 8,000 kilometres from Türkiye.
The most remarkable event took place on February 14. Launched from the launch ramp of the Anadolu ship, the Bayraktar TB3 unmanned aerial vehicle was armed with the MAM-L precision-guided munition developed by ROKETSAN and, after precisely striking the designated maritime target, safely landed back on the vessel. Despite the severe weather conditions reaching minus 6 degrees Celsius, the entire operation, from takeoff to landing, was conducted autonomously, with a total of 232 sorties completed throughout the training.
This is the first instance in NATO history of a ship-based unmanned aerial vehicle striking a target during a training exercise simulating real combat conditions. Maritime expert Dr Lee Willett stated, "This development shows how any surface vessel could potentially be transformed into a drone carrier," adding that unmanned systems are set to deliver NATO swift operational advantages.