TAI Anka-3

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TAI Anka-3
TAI Anka-3 (center) flying in formation with a TAI Hürjet (left) and a TAI Hürkuş (right) in 2024
General information
Type
National originTurkey
ManufacturerTurkish Aerospace Industries
StatusPrototype flight testing
Number built2 prototypes
History
Introduction date2026 (expected)
First flight28 December 2023[1][2][3]

The Anka-3 is a flying wing type stealth unmanned combat aerial vehicle (UCAV) currently in development by Turkish Aerospace Industries.[4][5][6][7] It's first version is primarily designed to attack ground and sea targets but can also carry air-to-air missiles.[4][8] It is one of two Turkish jet-powered stealth UCAVs developed along with the Bayraktar Kızılelma. The Anka-3 is equipped with a suite of advanced operational capabilities. Key among these features is manned-unmanned teaming, allowing it to coordinate effectively with piloted aircraft. The platform also leverages swarm technologies integrated with artificial intelligence (AI). Additionally, the aircraft is also equipped for electronic warfare (EW) and signals intelligence (SIGINT) missions.[8] The aircraft used common avionics architecture and ground segment with TAI Anka and TAI Aksungur.[8]

Development

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The runway tests of the Anka-3 began in April 2023.[9][10][11] Its maiden flight took place on 28 December 2023.[1][12][2][3] The UCAV was airborne for one hour and ten minutes. On 20 August 2024, the Anka-3 successfully performed its first in-flight landing gear retraction test, marking another significant milestone in its development.[13]

On 20 September 2024, the Anka-3 successfully completed its first live-fire test, striking its target with precision. This test, conducted with the collaboration of Aselsan and Roketsan, represents a milestone for Türkiye’s rapidly advancing defense industry. The live-fire test was carried out using the AF500 electro-optic camera system, produced by Aselsan, and the Teber-82 guidance kit, developed by Roketsan.[14]

On 30 October 2024, a TAI Anka-3 UCAV armed with a cruise missile became the first drone in history to be controlled by another aircraft in the loyal wingman role, representing an advancement in remote control capabilities for military aviation.[15][better source needed]

On 13 January 2025, a TAI Anka-3 successfully completed a strike mission test with internal munitions such as the TOLUN bomb.[16]

On 25 June 2025, a TAI Anka-3 prototype crashed during a test flight conducted as part of the Anatolian Eagle 2025 international exercise.[17][18]

Design

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Propulsion and performance

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Initially powered by a single engine, TAI plans to equip the Anka-3 with two TEI TF-10000 turbofan engines.[19] These domestically developed engines are expected to provide the UCAV with supersonic capabilities, allowing it to accompany the crewed KAAN combat aircraft.[19]

Operational capabilities

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Designed for high-speed operations, the Anka-3 offers both air-to-ground and air-to-air capabilities. Its low radar signature enhances survivability, while its endurance of up to 10 hours and high altitude capabilities enable long-range missions.[20] The UCAV can operate autonomously with line-of-sight and beyond-line-of-sight control.[21]

Beyond its combat role, the Anka-3 can perform intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance (ISR) missions, as well as electronic warfare. Future variants may be larger with increased payload capacity, further expanding its capabilities.[22][21]

Integration and future prospects

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The Anka-3 is part of a broader Turkish drone ecosystem, including the Şimşek and Süper Şimşek drones. These uncrewed systems work together to provide a comprehensive aerial capability.

Production of the Anka-3 is underway, with plans to deliver multiple units by 2028.[21] The development of the Anka-3 and its associated technologies reflects Turkey's aim to reduce reliance on foreign military equipment and establish a domestic defense industry.[20]

The Anka-3's emergence is part of a global trend towards integrating uncrewed systems into military operations. Its capabilities and the broader Turkish drone program have attracted international attention, with countries like Indonesia expressing interest in acquiring similar systems.[21]

Specifications (prototype)

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The aircraft is now in the prototype stage. The technical specification of the production version could be different.

Data from Turkish Aerospace Industries,[4][8] Jane's,[23] TRT Haber,[22] Turkish Minute[24]

General characteristics

  • Capacity: 1,200 kg (2,600 lb)[4] to 1,600 kg (3,500 lb)[8]
  • Length: 7.9[4] to 8.9[8] m (25 ft 11 in to 29 ft 2 in)
  • Wingspan: 12.5[4] to 13.1[8] m (41 ft 0 in to 43 ft 0 in)
  • Height: 2.5[4] to 2.6[8] m (8 ft 2 in to 8 ft 6 in)
  • Max takeoff weight: 6,500[4] to 7,250[8] kg (14,330 to 15,984 lb)
  • Powerplant: 1 × Ivchenko-Progress AI-322 Turbofan engine

Performance

  • Maximum speed: 787 km/h (489 mph, 425 kn) 0.7 Mach
  • Cruise speed: 460 km/h (290 mph, 250 kn) 0.42 Mach
  • Combat range: 1,075 or 750 km (668 or 466 mi, 580 or 405 nmi) air-to-air or air-to-ground configuration
  • Endurance: 10 hours
  • Service ceiling: 12,000 m (40,000 ft)
  • Operational altitude: 7,600 m (25,000 ft)

Armament

Avionics

See also

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Aircraft of comparable role, configuration and era

References

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  1. ^ a b Newdick, Thomas (28 December 2023). "Turkey's ANKA-3 Flying Wing Unmanned Combat Air Vehicle Flies". The Drive. Archived from the original on 29 December 2023. Retrieved 29 December 2023.
  2. ^ a b "Turkish Stealth Drone Makes Debut Flight After Years of Secrecy". Bloomberg. 29 December 2023.
  3. ^ a b "Turkey's ANKA III Fighter Drone Makes Debut Flight". Bloomberg Television. 29 December 2023.
  4. ^ a b c d e f g h "ANKA III UCAV". Turkish Aerospace Industries. Archived from the original on 2 December 2025. Retrieved 2 December 2025.
  5. ^ Şahan, Fazlı (24 December 2022). "İşte Anka-3". Yeni Şafak (in Turkish). Archived from the original on 24 December 2022. Retrieved 29 December 2023.
  6. ^ Azman, Kaan (24 December 2022). "TUSAŞ ANKA-3 MİUS'un ilk görselleri paylaşıldı!". DefenceTurk (in Turkish). Archived from the original on 1 February 2023. Retrieved 29 December 2023.
  7. ^ Rogoway, Tyler (19 March 2023). "Turkey's ANKA-3 Flying Wing Unmanned Combat Air Vehicle Emerges". The Drive. Archived from the original on 21 March 2023. Retrieved 29 December 2023.
  8. ^ a b c d e f g h i "Brochure - ANKA III" (PDF). Turkish Aerospace Industries. Archived (PDF) from the original on 2 December 2025. Retrieved 2 December 2025.
  9. ^ Yıldırım, Göksel (26 April 2023). "İnsansız savaş uçağı ANKA-3 ilk kez piste çıktı, uçuşa hazırlanıyor". Anadolu Agency (in Turkish). Archived from the original on 3 May 2023. Retrieved 29 December 2023.
  10. ^ "New Turkish Stealth Drone Anka-3 Revealed". Defence Labs. 26 April 2023.
  11. ^ Alican Ayanlar (12 May 2023). "NexTech: Türkiye's Air Strategy – More Homegrown Hardware and Options". TRT World.
  12. ^ "ANKA-3 Ankara semalarında! İlk uçuşunu gerçekleştirdi..." Hürriyet (in Turkish). 28 December 2023. Retrieved 28 December 2023.
  13. ^ "Türkiye's stealth UAV, Anka-III completes landing gear retraction test in flight". Aug 20, 2024.
  14. ^ "Türkiye's Anka-3 combat drone heads to next trial phase". Sep 20, 2024.
  15. ^ Nikolov, Boyko (31 October 2024). "Turkish TAI's ANKA-3 Becomes First Next-Gen Stealth Combat Drone Fully Operated from Aircraft". armyrecognition.com. Army Recognition Group - Global Defense News.
  16. ^ "Turkish Anka III launches guided munition from internal bay".
  17. ^ "Anka 3 UCAV Prototype Lost In Crash". Aviation week network. 25 June 2025. Retrieved 26 June 2025.
  18. ^ "Turkey's Experimental Anka-3 Drone Crashes During Test Flight". Militarnyi. Retrieved 2025-11-18.
  19. ^ a b "Türkiye Unveils Supersonic Twin-Engine Version of ANKA-3 UCAV". 29 May 2024.
  20. ^ a b "Turkey's Aerial Might On Display! Supersonic Hurjet & Futuristic Combat UAV ANKA-III 'Dance In The Sky'". June 7, 2024.
  21. ^ a b c d "Development Of Twin-Engine, Supersonic Version Of Turkey's ANKA-3 UCAV Announced". May 26, 2024.
  22. ^ a b "Anka-3 gökyüzüyle buluştu". TRT Haber (in Turkish). 28 December 2023. Archived from the original on 29 December 2023. Retrieved 28 December 2023.
  23. ^ "Turkey flies Anka 3 UCAV". Janes.com. Retrieved 2024-05-07.
  24. ^ "Turkish Anka III stealth drone successfully launches guided munition from internal weapons bay". TURKISH MINUTE. 13 January 2025.