ANKA 3 UAV

ANKA-3, Turkish Aerospace and Defense Industries (TUSAŞ) has developed a tailless, turbofan-powered domestic and national unmanned aerial vehicle. It was developed leveraging the 250,000 flight hours of experience from ANKA and AKSUNGUR and the accumulated expertise in unmanned aerial technologies. Designed with the efforts of more than 250 engineers and technicians and utilizing artificial intelligence-supported modeling, simulation and flight control technologies, ANKA-3 can be employed for reconnaissance, strike and electronic warfare such as missions.

ANKA 3 Sample Image - TUSAŞ

Technical Characteristics and Capabilities

ANKA-3 is capable of performing a wide range of operational missions including reconnaissance, surveillance and intelligence gathering as well as strike, electronic warfare and air-to-air engagement with appropriate munitions. ANKA-3 can operate at an altitude of 40,000 feet, reach a speed of 0.7 Mach and remain airborne for 10 hour while carrying a payload of 1,200 kg.

Notable for its munition carriage capacity and integration capabilities, ANKA-3 can be equipped with various munitions such as SOM-J, MK-82 and SDB. It has two internal stations each capable of carrying 650 kg, 650 kg on wing internal stations and 100 kg on external stations.

ANKA 3 Sample Image - TUSAŞ

Test and Development Process

ANKA-3 conducted its first engine run in 2023 and completed its first flight on 28 December 2023. This fully autonomous flight lasted 1 hour 10 minute, reaching an altitude of 8,000 feet and a speed of 150 knots. The takeoff and landing test was also successfully completed during the flight. The flight was accompanied by the HÜRKUŞ Basic Training Aircraft and the ANKA Unmanned Aerial Vehicle, both developed by TUSAŞ.

ANKA 3 Sample Image - TUSAŞ

During its testing phase, ANKA-3 conducted trials with various munitions and achieved successful results. ANKA-3 successfully hit its target with the TEBER-82 guidance kit and completed its second firing test with the TOLUN munition. A firing test using LGK-82 munitions developed by ASELSAN was also successfully completed. This test took place on 13 March 2025 at the Acıkır Firing Range; ANKA-3 took off from Apostate Air Base, reached an altitude of 25,000 feet and a speed of 200 knots. A laser-designated target was successfully engaged from a distance of 10 kilometers. The 280 kg ASELSAN LGK-82 munition, equipped with a high-precision laser guidance system, has enhanced ANKA-3’s operational capabilities.

The second prototype of ANKA-3 has also begun flight testing, further enhancing its operational capabilities through low observability, high speed and increased internal payload capacity.

On 18 March 2025, marking the 110th anniversary of Çanakkale Victory, the two ANKA-3 prototypes performed a formation flight, symbolizing national pride in the skies. During the 35-minute flight, ANKA-3 reached an altitude of 8,000 feet and successfully completed multi-aircraft control via a single ground control station.

According to TRT Haber, ANKA-3 is also drawing attention as an unmanned aerial vehicle capable of aerial refueling. While traditional tanker aircraft, due to their large radar signatures, are typically restricted to safer operational zones, ANKA-3’s low observability enables these critical missions to be conducted further forward. With its indigenous and national technologies, Türkiye is joining the small group of countries worldwide capable of operating such ability on and aims to further strengthen the role of unmanned aerial vehicles on the battlefield.

ANKA 3 Sample Image - TRT News