Turkey’s TCG Anadolu: The World’s First Drone Carrier

TCG Anadolu is Turkey’s largest warship and the world’s first drone-centric naval platform. Originally designed to operate F-35B jets, the ship was reconfigured after Turkey’s removal from the F-35 program, shifting its focus to unmanned combat systems like the Bayraktar TB3. With amphibious capabilities, modern sensors, and a growing drone air wing, Anadolu represents a new approach to naval aviation. While it offers flexibility and cost advantages, its reliance on drones and escorts highlights limitations in high-intensity combat. The ship signals a broader shift toward unmanned warfare at sea, but its real effectiveness in combat remains unproven.