Ukraine may need anti-submarine aircraft to detect and counter Russian submarines. The Bayraktar TB3, equipped with the new SAS POD, could potentially fill this role. Production of the drone may also be launched in Ukraine.
During the Turkish Navy’s large-scale Seawolf-I/2026 naval exercise, Turkish company Baykar conducted the first tests of its new SAS POD anti-submarine warfare pod aboard the Bayraktar TB3 strike and reconnaissance drone.
During the tests, the Bayraktar TB3 was deployed from the amphibious assault ship TCG Anadolu. Using the SAS POD, the drone released two sonobuoys and then collected and processed the data they transmitted.
The Bayraktar TB3 also operated alongside a maritime patrol aircraft. It processed data not only from its own sonobuoys but also from those deployed by the aircraft.
The tests mark the Bayraktar TB3’s first demonstration of anti-submarine warfare capabilities. The drone could now complement existing anti-submarine aircraft and expand the capabilities of TCG Anadolu-class amphibious assault ships, which can carry Bayraktar TB3 drones.
The tests are also significant for Ukraine, as the Bayraktar TB3 has previously been considered for production at Baykar’s planned facility in the country. Ukraine currently has a significant gap in its anti-submarine aviation capabilities, with only a handful of aging Ka-27 and Mi-14PL helicopters remaining in service.
Meanwhile, Russia still operates submarines in the Black Sea. Although its submarine fleet has been significantly reduced, the remaining vessels are still operational. It is also possible that Russia could eventually introduce underwater naval drones alongside its uncrewed surface vessels.
In theory, Bayraktar TB3 drones equipped with SAS PODs could significantly strengthen Ukraine’s ability to detect and track submarines and underwater drones.
However, the Bayraktar TB3 would currently be limited to detecting underwater threats, as it cannot carry torpedoes or depth charges. Uncrewed surface vessels could potentially take on the task of engaging detected underwater targets.
The Bayraktar TB3 is not the only drone in the family to receive new capabilities. The Bayraktar TB2 recently gained the ability to carry three new payload pods for signals intelligence, electronic warfare, and synthetic aperture radar (SAR) mapping.
Culled from https://en.defence-ua.com/
