TAI ANKA III UCAV successfully launches Super Simsek in targeted strike test

Turkish Aerospace Industries (TAI) has announced the successful integration and live test of the ANKA III unmanned combat aerial vehicle (UCAV) with the jet-powered Super Simsek target drone.

The test, involving a wing-mounted launch, marks a significant step in the advancement of Türkiye’s unmanned aerial combat capabilities.

ANKA III and Super Simsek integration demonstrate operational maturity

The test saw the stealth-capable ANKA III release the Super Simsek drone from an underwing station in a precision strike operation.

The result, according to the Turkish Presidency of Defense Industries, reflects the technological maturity of the country’s offensive UAV concept.

Quoting the test footage on social media platform X, Haluk Gorgun, Secretary of the Secretariat of Defence Industries, stated, “The integrated operation of ANKA III, which has low visibility and high payload capacity, and the jet-powered target drone Super Simsek clearly demonstrates the point our offensive UAV concept has reached.”

“These systems, which can perform tasks at high altitudes and speeds, demonstrate the engineering level our defense industry has reached in unmanned systems. I wholeheartedly congratulate all TAI engineers, our directorate staff, and subcontractors who contributed to this success. We have full confidence in Türkiye’s engineering power as it moves towards its goal with determination,” he added.

Speaking about the test, the CEO of TAI, Mehmet Demiroglu, said, “This important success of ANKA III once again demonstrated the vision and determination of Turkish engineering. With Super Simsek, we not only hit the target but also the future with pinpoint accuracy. I would like to thank all my colleagues who contributed.”

Super Simsek: Multi-role target drone, cruise missile hybrid

Developed by TAI, Super Simsek is a next-generation platform capable of performing reconnaissance, electronic warfare, decoy operations, and attack missions.

The drone features a 700 km range, speeds of up to 0.9 Mach, and a 35 kg warhead payload capacity.

Weighing approximately 200 kg, Super Simsek can be deployed from platforms such as ANKA III and Türkiye’s national fighter jet project, KAAN.

Its capabilities allow for swarm-based mission execution, including electronic attack and decoy roles, as well as direct strikes on high-value targets like air defense systems.

45 minutes of endurance	Full autonomous flight mode including take-off and landing with indigenous “GCS Flight Control System” and “Autopilot System”
Mission altitude between 50 ft (15 m) to 25.000 feet (7600 m) (ASL)	Digital maps with moving capability
Max. Speed 350+ kts	Record and playback of real-time coded digital flight data telemetry
Additional Payload Integration Activities: Countermeasures Dispenser System (CMDS)	Return Home & Fail Safe Modes for automatic recovery to a predefined return home point
Payloads: Passive Radar Cross Section Augmenter – Luneberg Lens + Active Radar Cross Section Augmenter + Miss Distance Indicator (MDI) + IR Signature AUgmenter (Hot Nose) + Automatic + Identification System (AIS) + Smoke Generator	Preprogrammed flight ability to assign waypoints and change during / before flight
Catapulte launch and dropping off from aircraft wings	120 km LOS Data Link Range with GCS
Parachute recovery on land or at sea	Ability to take-off and control from Navy platforms
Compatible with military standards	Structure manufactured with advanced composite technology

ANKA III advances Türkiye’s stealth UCAV capabilities

The ANKA III, which completed its maiden flight on December 28, 2023, is a tailless flying wing UAV designed for low radar visibility.

It reaches speeds up to Mach 0.7 (approximately 835 km/h), operates at altitudes up to 40,000 feet, and can remain airborne for up to 10 hours.

The UAV features a takeoff weight of 7 tons and a payload capacity of 1,200 kg, supporting both air-to-air and air-to-ground missions.

ANKA III is equipped for reconnaissance, surveillance, electronic warfare, and intelligence collection operations, enhancing the Turkish Armed Forces’ battlefield effectiveness.

Growing interoperability across domestic defense systems

This latest trial illustrates not only the performance of individual systems but also their interoperability.

In March, ANKA III also conducted a successful strike using Aselsan’s LGK-82 guided munition. The UAV previously demonstrated internal weapon release with the TOLUN munition at 20,000 feet and 180 knots.