Turkish Aerospace Industries (TUSAŞ) is set to mark a new milestone in Türkiye’s defense industry with the ANKA-3 Combat Unmanned Aircraft System, developed as a symbolic project for the nation’s 100th anniversary. Featuring a flying-wing design, ANKA-3 significantly reduces radar visibility, while its jet engine provides both higher speed and extended payload capacity, showcasing Türkiye’s rapid advancements in UAV technology.

The aircraft’s maiden flight is expected in December 2023. The first prototype will fly without paint, a deliberate choice to better detect and address potential issues that may arise during early tests. Designed with internal and wing-mounted weapon bays, ANKA-3 offers a remarkable payload capacity, allowing it to perform both reconnaissance and precision strike missions effectively.

The UAV’s operational spectrum is wide-ranging. In addition to intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance (ISR) missions, ANKA-3 will be capable of deploying air-to-ground and air-to-air munitions to neutralize enemy targets. It will also conduct electronic warfare, suppress hostile air defense systems, provide protection for friendly forces, and act as a communication relay on the battlefield.

Powered by a low-bypass turbofan engine, ANKA-3 is designed to gain aerial refueling capability in the future, enabling it to serve not only in combat roles but also as a “tanker aircraft.” Moreover, its compatibility with the existing ground control infrastructure used for the ANKA and AKSUNGUR UAVs highlights its integration into Türkiye’s growing UAV ecosystem.

With its maiden flight, ANKA-3 is expected to elevate Türkiye’s achievements in unmanned aerial systems to an entirely new level. Analysts view this development as a strategic step that will further strengthen the country’s deterrence capability both regionally and globally.