At the SAHA 2024 exhibition, Turkish Aerospace Industries (TAI) made a resounding statement with the presentation of its newest unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV), the ANKA III. This sophisticated stealth drone, designed to serve multiple military functions, marks a significant leap forward in Turkey’s defense technology capabilities.
The ANKA III, designed for both offensive and defensive missions, brings a host of cutting-edge features, placing Turkey among the few nations with advanced UAV capabilities. Its role in reconnaissance, electronic warfare, air-to-ground assaults, strategic missions, and the suppression of air defense systems promises to redefine the country’s approach to military operations. The drone’s unveiling reflects Turkey’s broader goal of enhancing its technological autonomy in defense, reducing reliance on foreign imports, and setting new standards for indigenous UAV innovation.
The development of the ANKA III began in 2022, with the goal of building upon Turkey’s existing UAV portfolio, which includes successful models like the ANKA and AKSUNGUR. The ANKA III was designed to incorporate a variety of next-generation features aimed at improving stealth, speed, and operational efficiency. Its most distinctive design element, a tailless flying wing structure, enhances its stealth profile, making it harder to detect by enemy radar systems. This unique design reflects the increasing demand for low-observable platforms in modern warfare, where electronic warfare and air defense suppression play crucial roles.
A jet engine powers the ANKA III, enabling it to achieve superior speeds while maintaining high levels of operational efficiency. This drone boasts a maximum takeoff weight of 6,500 kilograms, with the capacity to carry a payload of up to 1,200 kilograms. The variety of payload configurations, both internal and external, ensures flexibility across different mission profiles. Whether engaging in electronic warfare or launching air-to-ground assaults, the ANKA III can be tailored to meet a range of operational needs.
One of the most notable aspects of the ANKA III is its endurance and altitude capabilities. Operating at altitudes of up to 40,000 feet, it can stay in the air for up to 10 hours, traveling at speeds of 0.7 Mach. This impressive endurance makes it ideal for long-range reconnaissance and strategic missions, allowing it to gather crucial intelligence or provide combat support over extended periods.
The ANKA III is not just a reconnaissance tool; it is also a highly capable offensive platform. It is equipped with an array of advanced munitions designed for precision strikes, ensuring that it can deliver devastating firepower while maintaining its stealth capabilities. The drone is armed with the SOM-J cruise missile, which is specifically designed for use on stealth platforms, as well as the MK-82 bombs and Small Diameter Bombs (SDBs), all of which are known for their accuracy and effectiveness.
Its payload versatility allows it to adapt to different missions—whether launching missiles from long distances or providing close air support for ground troops, the ANKA III is equipped to handle a range of combat scenarios. The internal and external weapon stations offer further flexibility, making it possible to optimize payload configurations based on mission requirements.
The ANKA III builds on the foundation established by its predecessors, the ANKA and AKSUNGUR UAVs, which have collectively accumulated over 200,000 flight hours. This extensive operational experience has provided TAI with invaluable insights that have been integrated into the ANKA III’s software and flight systems.
Like its predecessors, the ANKA III is designed for both line-of-sight (LOS) and beyond-line-of-sight (BLOS) operations. This means that the drone can be controlled via satellite links, making it possible to operate at long distances from ground control stations. This BLOS capability is crucial for modern military operations, where drones need to cover vast areas and be able to adapt to evolving mission requirements in real time.
The ANKA III’s high transit speed and low radar visibility provide further advantages, allowing it to rapidly deploy to mission zones while minimizing the risk of detection. These attributes make it a versatile and reliable platform for Turkey’s defense industry, as well as a potentially attractive option for international buyers looking to bolster their own UAV capabilities.
One of the most recent milestones in the development of the ANKA III occurred on August 19, 2024, when the drone successfully retracted its landing gear during a test flight. This achievement marked a significant step forward in the UAV’s development cycle, underscoring the steady progress being made by Turkish engineers in perfecting the platform.
The first prototype of the ANKA III completed its maiden flight on December 28, 2023, a critical milestone that demonstrated the drone’s operational capabilities and flight stability. According to Temel Kotil, the CEO of Turkish Aerospace Industries, one unit has already been produced, with eight more currently in production. Kotil further revealed that 20 additional units are slated for production by the end of 2028, with the final unit in this series being equipped with a Turkish-made engine. This is a significant move toward ensuring greater self-sufficiency in UAV production, as Turkey seeks to reduce its dependence on foreign components.
As impressive as the ANKA III is, it is merely the precursor to an even more advanced iteration. According to recent reports, TAI is already working on a supersonic twin-engine version of the ANKA III, which will significantly boost the UAV’s operational capabilities. This new variant will be capable of flying at supersonic speeds, allowing it to cover greater distances more quickly and evade enemy defenses with even greater effectiveness.
This supersonic version is expected to operate alongside Turkey’s forthcoming KAAN fighter jet, another project that underscores the country’s commitment to developing cutting-edge military technology. The integration of these two platforms will give Turkey’s military unprecedented flexibility in both manned and unmanned operations, further enhancing its ability to conduct joint operations and multi-domain warfare.
The ANKA III is part of a broader effort by Turkey to modernize its military forces and establish itself as a leader in UAV technology. Over the past decade, Turkey’s defense industry has undergone a remarkable transformation, with a significant increase in research and development (R&D) funding, as well as close collaboration between the government, private sector, and research institutions.
This concerted effort has led to the rapid advancement of indigenous technologies, enabling Turkey to produce a wide range of military systems, from combat drones to advanced fighter jets. The Turkish government has made it clear that reducing dependence on foreign defense imports is a top priority, and the ANKA III is a shining example of how this policy is being put into action.
Turkey’s growing expertise in UAV technology has not gone unnoticed on the global stage. The ANKA series of drones has already seen success in international markets, with several countries expressing interest in purchasing these systems to bolster their own military capabilities. The ANKA III is expected to follow a similar trajectory, potentially becoming a key export for Turkey’s defense industry.
The unveiling of the ANKA III at SAHA 2024 not only highlights Turkey’s increasing self-reliance in defense technology but also signals its ambitions to become a major player in the global defense market. With its advanced features, versatility, and competitive pricing, the ANKA III could attract attention from countries looking to acquire sophisticated UAV systems without the complications of relying on traditional defense exporters.
In particular, the drone’s stealth capabilities and supersonic upgrade potential make it an attractive option for nations seeking to modernize their air forces with cutting-edge technology. The ANKA III could be used for a variety of purposes, from border surveillance to counterterrorism operations, making it a valuable asset for countries facing security challenges.
