NATO Deploys Turkish Drone Carrier to Latvia Amid Rising Russian Airspace Violations

NATO is bolstering its air surveillance and defense capabilities in the Baltic region with the deployment of the Turkish drone carrier TCG Anadolu to the Latvian coast. The move comes in response to repeated airspace violations attributed to Russia, prompting the alliance to reinforce its eastern flank.

Eastern Sentry Operation

The TCG Anadolu is deploying as part of NATO’s Eastern Sentry operation, launched in September 2025 after Russian aircraft repeatedly crossed into NATO airspace, including incidents involving drones entering Polish airspace. The operation aims to enhance the alliance’s ability to monitor and respond to potential threats.

TCG Anadolu: A Key Asset

The TCG Anadolu, commissioned in 2023, is the Turkish Navy’s flagship and its only drone-carrying amphibious assault ship. Originally designed to operate with F-35B fighter jets, the vessel was repurposed for fixed-wing drones after Turkey’s exclusion from the F-35 program due to its purchase of Russian missile systems .

The ship is capable of carrying Bayraktar TB-3 and Bayraktar Kızılelma combat drones, manufactured by the Turkish company Baykar, as well as attack helicopters. It is the largest ship currently participating in NATO’s Steadfast Dart exercise, which includes 17 vessels – amphibious landing ships, frigates, destroyers and submarines.

NATO’s Steadfast Dart 2026

The deployment of the Turkish naval task group, led by the TCG Anadolu, is part of NATO’s STEADFAST DART 2026 exercise, representing the first large-scale peacetime use of NATO’s newly established Allied Reaction Force. The task group includes the landing helicopter dock TCG Anadolu, the logistics support ship TCG Derya, the I-class frigate TCG İstanbul, and the Barbaros-class frigate TCG Oruçreis, forming a self-sustaining national maritime force.

Deterrence and Defense

Allied Joint Force Command Brunssum described the deployment as “a clear signal to the east,” emphasizing NATO’s readiness to defend its territory. The move is intended to deter further Russian airspace violations and demonstrate the alliance’s commitment to collective security .

Global Drone Carrier Development

The development of drone carrier capabilities is not unique to Turkey. Iran and China have also built their own drone carriers, and Portugal is expected to receive one later in 2026 .