Italy is considering acquiring Turkish-made Bayraktar TB3 armed unmanned aerial vehicles for deployment on its aircraft carrier, in a move that could expand European naval drone capabilities, according to officials and media reports.
Italian Navy Chief of Staff Admiral Giuseppe Berutti Bergotto told parliament that Rome is exploring procurement of advanced unmanned systems, with a focus on shipborne drones, Middle East Eye reported.
Bergotto highlighted the Bayraktar TB3, developed by Turkish defense firm Baykar, after footage showed the drone successfully taking off from Turkey’s amphibious assault ship TCG Anadolu.
He said the system could be obtained through cooperation with Italian defense company Leonardo and integrated into Italy’s flagship aircraft carrier, ITS Cavour.
Italy’s interest comes as European navies seek to strengthen unmanned capabilities at sea. The Cavour, like the TCG Anadolu, is a landing helicopter dock designed to operate aircraft such as the F-35B and military helicopters. Integrating drones such as the TB3 could enhance operational flexibility, particularly in surveillance and strike missions.
Defense analyst Riccardo Gasco said the TB3 could offer a near-term solution to a long-standing capability gap.
“Europe has been discussing shipborne unmanned systems for years but has yet to field an operational solution,” Gasco said. “Turkey already has a functioning system, and with an Italian industrial partner, it is now accessible.”