Turkish government releases first drone carrier

Turkey has unveiled an amphibious assault ship, the TCG Anadolu, which is 231 metres (758 feet) long and 32 metres (105 feet) wide. It can accommodate combat helicopters and military drones, as well as up to 94 vehicles, including 13 tanks. President Recep Tayyip Erdogan said the new vessel would allow Turkey to "carry out military and humanitarian operations in the four corners of the world if necessary". Turkey has developed its defence industry in recent years, with its combat drones being used in Azerbaijan, Libya and Ukraine. China last year unveiled its first military drone carrier, reflecting the growing importance of pilotless aircraft in modern warfare.