Growing naval power raises concern: what really happened in Turkey's naval exercises? | Weekend Special
Turkey's 'Sea Wolf' exercise in September 2026 revealed a new capability: the Bayraktar TB3 drone deployed acoustic buoys into the eastern Mediterranean waters and decoded signals in real time, threatening the stealth of Israeli submarines. In June 2026, heavy torpedo AKYA and cruise missile ATMACA were launched, demonstrating a shift to a cheap robotic sensor network.
Turkey's 'Sea Wolf' exercise in September 2026 revealed a new capability: the Bayraktar TB3 drone, adapted for takeoff from the amphibious assault ship 'Anadolu', deployed two acoustic buoys into the eastern Mediterranean waters and decoded the signals in real time. The TB3 stays airborne for over 24 hours and can monitor underwater acoustic frequencies, synchronizing with a manned maritime patrol aircraft. The article notes an economic asymmetry: a cheap drone challenges expensive strategic submarines. However, the TB3's limitations are evident: a payload capacity of 280 kg, no reported torpedo attack, and two buoys provide only point coverage. In June 2026, the Turks showcased the heavy torpedo AKYA launched from submarine 'Sakarya' hitting a target ship, alongside the cruise missile ATMACA striking a target at 102 km. The combination of capabilities indicates a shift to a distributed network of cheap robotic sensors connected to local weapons, threatening the stealth of the Israeli submarine fleet.