TAI’s ANKA-3 UCAV expected to enter Turkish Air Force inventory by 2026

Türkiye’s next-generation unmanned combat aerial vehicle (UCAV), the ANKA-3, is set to enter service by 2026, according to Turkish Aerospace Industries (TAI) General Manager Mehmet Demiroglu.

Speaking exclusively to the SavunmaSanayiST at the IDEX defense exhibition in Abu Dhabi, Demiroglu confirmed that testing is progressing successfully, with multiple prototypes undergoing evaluation.

ANKA-3 testing advances ahead of deployment

Demiroglu stated that ANKA-3’s test program remains on track, following successful trials, including the aircraft’s first internal weapons bay launch.

“ANKA-3’s tests are going well. Last year, we conducted a launch from its internal weapons bay, and upcoming trials will involve dual, triple, and quadruple launches,” he said.

The aircraft is currently being refined based on input from the Turkish Air Force, ensuring it meets operational requirements before entering service in 2026.

Advanced combat capabilities, stealth design

As the third member of Türkiye’s ANKA drone family, ANKA-3 is designed for reconnaissance, surveillance, intelligence gathering, and combat operations.

It will carry various air-to-ground munitions and, with air-to-air weaponry, engage enemy helicopters, propeller aircraft, and drones.

Additionally, ANKA-3 is capable of neutralizing radar and air defense systems while providing support in electronic warfare, signal intelligence, and communication relay missions.

Its stealth-oriented “flying wing” design enhances survivability by minimizing radar detection, while internal weapons storage further reduces its radar cross-section.

Successful flight tests and performance metrics

ANKA-3 conducted its maiden flight on December 28, 2023, after completing initial engine trials earlier that year. During its first fully autonomous flight, the drone remained airborne for over an hour, successfully testing all onboard systems before executing an automated landing.

Recent tests have focused on ANKA-3’s combat effectiveness, including precision strikes using the TEBER-82 guidance kit and the TOLUN munition.

The aircraft’s second prototype has also commenced flight trials.

With a takeoff weight of approximately 7 tons, ANKA-3 will operate at altitudes of up to 40,000 feet, reach speeds of Mach 0.7, and remain airborne for up to 10 hours.

The UCAV benefits from AI-assisted modeling, simulation, and flight control technologies, a testament to the engineering expertise developed through Türkiye’s ANKA and AKSUNGUR drone programs.

A key addition to Türkiye’s drone fleet

Leveraging more than 250,000 flight hours of operational experience from previous drone platforms, ANKA-3 is expected to significantly enhance Türkiye’s unmanned aerial warfare capabilities.

The aircraft is being developed to integrate seamlessly with existing ground systems and meet the evolving demands of modern battlefields.