Bayraktar with supersonic missile: how technology can help Ukraine

In Turkey, a successful combat test of the Bayraktar TB3 drone with a hypersonic missile was conducted. Military expert Valentyn Badrak explains how this event will impact Ukraine's defense capabilities and why cooperation with Turkey is vital.

On March 25, 2025, Baykar announced the successful combat testing of the Bayraktar TB3 unmanned combat aerial vehicle (UCAV) using the hypersonic IHA-122 missile, developed by Roketsan. For the first time in history, a drone launched from a short runway platform made an accurate strike on a distant maritime target in coordination with another airborne drone.

According to armyrecognition.com, this event marks a "new era of integrated unmanned warfare."

Unlike conventional drone strikes, which rely on one UAV for surveillance and interaction, this test illustrates a decentralized operational model where multiple drones can share tactical roles in real-time.

"This test demonstrated the combat interaction of two drones, with one guiding and the other striking. We must not only observe but also respond to the use of such technology as it can significantly enhance the capabilities of the Ukrainian army," says Valentyn Badrak, director of the Center for Army Research, Conversion, and Disarmament, co-founder of the Defense Information Consortium.

He further emphasizes that continued cooperation with Turkey will strengthen Ukraine’s position on the battlefield.

"For us, Turkey is an important potential partner in the field of unmanned technologies for the Air Force. Right now, the queues for F-16 and F-35 planes are years long," Badrak comments, noting that the U.S. even blocks the supply of aircraft from its partners, such as not allowing Sweden to sell aircraft with American engines.

In addition to using modern technological solutions, another key focus is the localization of new-type UAV production in Ukraine. A factory for producing Bayraktar systems is expected to start operating in Ukraine this year.

"If Ukraine not only produces the first version of drones but also localizes the production of such modern devices, it will significantly strengthen our air force and expand our ability to strike enemy ground forces. Bayraktar TB3 is more powerful, can carry more weapons, and requires only small runways to take off—these are advantages that will help our military," says Badrak.

What is Bayraktar TB3 unmanned combat aerial vehicle?

Bayraktar TB3 is an improved medium-altitude, long-endurance (MALE) UCAV with a 14-meter wingspan and a maximum takeoff weight of about 1450 kg. Equipped with an internal combustion engine, it can operate at altitudes exceeding 9000 meters and stay airborne for over 24 hours. Designed for reconnaissance, surveillance, intelligence, and strike missions, it has a payload capacity of 280 kg, allowing it to carry a wide range of munitions, including precision-guided bombs and smart micro-missiles.

The IHA-122 missile is a supersonic air-to-ground weapon developed based on the TRG-122 artillery rocket system, part of a broader family of guided reactive artillery by Roketsan. The missile has a 122mm caliber and is powered by a solid-fuel rocket engine, enabling it to reach supersonic speeds. The IHA-122 has a range of over 50 km when launched from a UAV, making it well-suited for deep strike missions and time-sensitive targets.

• Ukraine should propose cooperation with Europe in the development of next-generation nuclear weapons, ballistic missiles, satellite systems, and more, believes Valentyn Badrak.
• The Ministry of Defense of Ukraine has certified and authorized the operation of Ukrainian-made UAV systems "Amaga-10" in the Armed Forces of Ukraine.