Türkiye’s defense industry has reached another milestone with the ANKA III unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV), which successfully completed its third test flight. Developed by Turkish Aerospace Industries (TUSAŞ), the aircraft remained in the air for 2 hours, achieving a speed of 160 knots and reaching an altitude of 10,000 feet. This test not only demonstrated the endurance of the UAV but also showcased significant progress in its speed and altitude capabilities.

Launched in 2022, the ANKA III program was designed to push Türkiye’s UAV technology to the next level. Building on the experiences gained from the earlier ANKA and AKSUNGUR models, the new platform incorporates advanced avionics, a tailless design, and reduced radar visibility. With enhancements in propulsion and subsystems, ANKA III stands out as a highly capable and modern combat UAV.

One of its most notable features is its high payload capacity, enabling the aircraft to carry up to 650 kilograms of munitions on both internal bays and underwing stations. It can deploy critical weapons such as the SOM-J cruise missile, MK-82 general-purpose bomb, and bunker-busting munitions. Thanks to its versatility, ANKA III is capable of conducting a wide range of missions, including reconnaissance, surveillance, intelligence, strike, and electronic warfare.

ANKA III also highlights Türkiye’s determination to achieve technological independence in the defense sector. Its successful test flights not only underscore the engineering capabilities of Turkish teams but also strengthen the country’s position in the global UAV arena. With its advanced features and multi-mission flexibility, ANKA III is expected to play a strategic role in future combat scenarios while advancing Türkiye’s aerospace and defense ambitions.