Türkiye has proposed equipping Japanese aircraft carriers with Bayraktar TB3 UAVs.
Ankara has requested Tokyo to equip the Izumo and Hyuga-class helicopter carriers of the Japanese Navy with Bayraktar TB2 and TB3 UAVs to enhance their combat capabilities.
Ankara has officially submitted a proposal to Tokyo to enhance its defense capabilities through the Bayraktar TB2 attack and reconnaissance unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) systems and the Bayraktar TB3 carrier-based version. Turkish Defense Minister Yaşar Güler emphasized that these systems would be a significant addition to the operational capabilities of the Japan Self-Defense Forces.
Prospects for Türkiye-Japan defense cooperation.
A delegation from Japan is expected to visit Türkiye next March to discuss details related to the defense industry and sign a framework agreement. Ankara has expressed its desire to combine Japan's strengths in advanced technology with Turkey's flexible manufacturing capabilities to create effective military solutions.
This proposal is considered highly practical given Japan's current relatively modest UAV fleet. Currently, the Japan Self-Defense Forces operate only three RQ-4B Global Hawks for strategic reconnaissance, three unarmed MQ-9B Sea Guardians (under lease), and a small number of MQ-27 ScanEagles. This shortage of modern attack UAVs makes the Turkish offer particularly attractive.
Upgrading the capabilities of the Hyuga-class helicopter carrier.
Within the structure of the Japanese Navy, the Izumo and Hyuga classes of helicopter carriers are leading candidates for UAV integration. While the Izumo-class ships are being upgraded to carry F-35B stealth fighters, the Hyuga-class are considered the ideal platform for operating the Bayraktar TB3.
With a total displacement of approximately 18,000 tons, Hyuga-class ships currently operate a limited number of helicopters (typically 3 SH-60K and 1 MCH-101). The addition of a squadron of Bayraktar TB3s will optimize deck space and expand control range, transforming these ships into powerful UAV command centers at sea.
Bayraktar TB3 boasts impressive technical specifications.
The Bayraktar TB3 is specifically designed to operate on ships with short flight decks or hatches. Key specifications include:
- Maximum takeoff weight:1,600 kg.
- Useful load:280 kg (including weapons and sensors).
- Continuous flight time:Over 21 hours.
- Operational capabilities:It is possible to take off and land on helicopter carriers or amphibious assault ships.
To be deployed on Japanese ships, the TB3 may need to be equipped with additional launch support systems. Previously, this type of UAV has demonstrated successful operation on the deck of the Turkish landing ship TCG Anadolu, a similar model that Japan could adopt for its warships.
