ANKA 3 UAV

ANKA-3 is a domestic and national unmanned aerial vehicle developed by Turkish Aerospace Industries (TUSAŞ), featuring a tailless design and powered by a turbofan engine. It was developed based on the 250,000 flight hours of experience gained from the ANKA and AKSUNGUR systems and the accumulated knowledge in unmanned aerial technology. 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 effectively employed in various missions such as surveillance, strike and electronic warfare.

^{ANKA 3 Sample Image -} TUSAŞ

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 engagement with air-to-air munitions. It can operate at an altitude of 40,000 feet, reach a speed of 0.7 Mach and remain airborne for up to 10 hours, carrying a useful payload of 1,200 kg.

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

^{ANKA 3 Sample Image -} TUSAŞ

ANKA-3 conducted its first engine start in 2023 and completed its maiden flight on 28 December 2023. This fully autonomous flight lasted 1 hour and 10 minutes, 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. During its flight, ANKA-3 successfully hit its target with pinpoint accuracy using the TEBER-82 guidance kit and also completed a successful 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 Mürted Air Base, reached an altitude of 25,000 feet and a speed of 200 knots. The target, laser-designated by ANKA, 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 significantly enhanced the operational capabilities of ANKA-3.

The second prototype of ANKA-3 has also begun flight tests, further enhancing its operational capabilities through reduced observability, higher speed and increased payload capacity in internal stations.

On 18 March 2025, marking the 110th anniversary of the 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 demonstrated multi-aircraft control from a single ground control station.

According to TRT Haber, ANKA-3 is also attracting attention as an unmanned aerial vehicle capable of aerial refueling. While traditional tanker aircraft, due to their large radar signatures, are typically restricted to operating in secure zones, ANKA-3’s low observability makes it possible to conduct these critical operations from more forward locations. With its domestic and national technologies, Türkiye has joined the small group of countries worldwide developing this capability, aiming to further strengthen the role of unmanned aerial vehicles on the battlefield.

^{ANKA 3 Sample Image -} TRT Haber