Defence in brief: Bayraktar TB3 test fires IHA-122 missile

The Bayraktar TB3 unmanned combat aerial vehicle (UCAV) from Baykar Technologies has conducted a successful test firing of the IHA-122 supersonic missile from Roketsan, according to a 25th March company press release. 

The UCAV fired the missile at a six metre square target from a range exceeding 50 km, achieving a direct hit on the first attempt, the release states. Adding that it marks another milestone in the platform’s weapons integration tests. 

Target designation was provided by a Bayraktar TB2 using its laser designator, reflecting the ability of Baykar UCAVs to work in pairs during an engagement, a pattern that has been observed since they were deployed to Syria in 2018. 

The IHA-122 was developed through cooperation between Baykar and Roketsan, building on the GPS-guided TRG-122. The companies added laser and TV guidance packages to the design and test fired it from an AKINCI UCAV in 2024. 

This announcement is another in a series of milestones for the Bayraktar TB3, which demonstrated its ability to take off from the flight deck of the TCG Anadolu amphibious assault ship in November 2024. This latest weapons integration test reflects the initial role of the UCAV as a maritime reconnaissance and strike aircraft providing an extension to the Turkish Navy’s sensor reach. 

Calibre comment

Baykar Technologies is rapidly developing a variety of UCAVs and generic systems for drones including AI-enabled landing, navigation, and target identification. As well as the medium altitude long-endurance types like the TB2 and TB3, the company is also developing the Bayraktar Kizilelma loyal wingman, which is designed to work with crewed aircraft. Working with Roketsan, Baykar Technologies has seized considerable market share with its offering of UCAVs armed with effective precision munitions at a relatively low cost when compared to some other systems, which arguably provide better capabilities, but at a much greater cost. 

By Sam Cranny-Evans, published on 27th March, 2025.