Turkish Aerospace Industries unveil Supersonic ANKA-3 UAV
Turkish Aerospace Industries (TAI) General Manager Temel Kotil recently made a notable statement regarding the stealth aircraft ANKA-3, developed by TAI. In his remarks, Kotil shared the latest developments in the Turkish defense industry.
While emphasizing that projects as large as KAAN should not be expected at the moment, Kotil revealed the KAAN project would see 20 units delivered by the end of 2028.
“For now, don’t expect anything as big as KAAN from us,” Kotil said. “The KAAN project has 20 units to be delivered by the end of 2028. We’ve made one, and now we’re making eight more. We will make 20 more. Next, we will fabricate an additional one, equipped with a Turkish engine. That will be the last one.” Kotil stated that they will complete these by 2028.
“A twin-engine version of ANKA-3 is coming and will be able to fly at supersonic speeds. They will accompany KAAN,” Kotil added.
The twin-engine version of ANKA-3, capable of supersonic flight and designed to accompany KAAN, stands out as one of the significant advancements in Türkiye’s defense industry.
The ANKA-3
The ANKA-3 MIUS (Unmanned Combat Aerial Vehicle) marks a significant advancement in Türkiye’s defense capabilities, showcasing an array of sophisticated features that elevate it to a leading position in modern military aviation.
Developed by TIA, the ANKA-3 is a jet-powered UAV designed for high-speed operations and diverse mission profiles, including both air-to-ground and air-to-air engagements.
The ANKA-3 is equipped with a jet engine, allowing it to achieve a top speed of 0.7 Mach (800 kilometers/hour). This high-speed capability is crucial for rapid deployment and quick response times in various combat scenarios, providing a strategic advantage in dynamic and fast-paced environments.
With a weight of 7 tons, the ANKA-3 is built to carry significant payloads. It has a maximum takeoff weight of 6,500 kilograms and a useful payload capacity of 1,200 kilograms, enabling it to handle a wide range of weapons and surveillance equipment.
This capacity ensures that the ANKA-3 can be equipped for diverse mission requirements, from reconnaissance to offensive operations.
One of the standout features of the ANKA-3 is its low radar signature, enhancing its survivability in contested airspace. This stealth capability is vital for evading enemy radar systems and increasing mission success rates, allowing it to operate in high-threat environments with a reduced risk of detection.
Designed to execute both air-to-ground and air-to-air missions, the ANKA-3 offers comprehensive operational flexibility. This versatility allows it to engage a broad range of targets, from ground installations to enemy aircraft, making it a multi-role asset in Türkiye’s defense arsenal.
Sharing a common avionics architecture and ground control station (GCS) with its predecessors, the Anka and Anka II UAVs, the ANKA-3 benefits from proven systems and streamlined operations. This compatibility ensures ease of integration and operational continuity, leveraging established technology for enhanced performance.
The ANKA-3 boasts impressive endurance, capable of flying for up to 10 hours at an altitude of 30,000 feet. It can reach a service ceiling of 40,000 feet, enabling operations at high altitudes where it is less vulnerable to ground-based threats.
This extended endurance allows for prolonged missions and sustained surveillance or combat operations.
With both Line-of-Sight (LoS) and Beyond-Line-of-Sight (BLoS) satellite control capabilities, the ANKA-3 can be operated over vast distances. This long-range control capability is essential for strategic reconnaissance and long-range strike missions, providing operational reach and flexibility.
The UAV has a cruise speed of 250 knots (0.42 Mach) and can reach a maximum speed of 425 knots (0.7 Mach) at 30,000 feet. This high-speed performance ensures rapid ingress and egress from operational areas, reducing exposure to enemy defenses and enhancing mission success rates.
The ANKA-3 MIUS exemplifies the advanced technological prowess of Turkish Aerospace Industries. Its combination of stealth, speed, versatility and robust payload capacity positions it as a formidable asset in modern warfare. As Türkiye continues to innovate in the defense sector, the ANKA-3 stands out as a testament to the country’s commitment to enhancing its military capabilities with indigenous technologies.
This UAV not only strengthens Türkiye’s defense posture but also highlights its growing role in the global defense industry.
