Istanbul: Trkiye's Bayraktar TB3 unmanned combat aerial vehicle (UCAV) has made a significant breakthrough in aviation history by becoming the first drone to successfully take off and land on a short-deck ship. This historic event occurred on Tuesday, marking a new chapter in drone aviation. According to Anadolu Agency, the Bayraktar TB3 achieved this milestone by taking off and landing on the TCG Anadolu, a short-runway carrier. Baykar, the producer of the drone, highlighted this achievement as a landmark moment for unmanned aerial vehicles. The Turkish Defense Ministry also celebrated the success, describing it as the realization of an "exciting wait and dreams." Haluk Bayraktar, CEO of Baykar, emphasized the dedication of Turkish engineers in developing leading-edge technology. The Bayraktar TB3 entered mass production in October, and exports are projected to begin within six months. The drone has demonstrated its capabilities by completing over 700 flight hours during testing, including a notable 32-hou r continuous flight covering 5,700 kilometers in December 2023. Baykar is renowned for its flagship unmanned aerial vehicles, such as the Bayraktar TB2 and Akinci, which are recognized globally for their technological innovation and operational effectiveness in the defense market.