Turkey’s delta-wing unmanned aerial platform ANKA III has marked a significant milestone by successfully executing its first internal weapons release. Developed domestically by Turkish Aerospace Industries (TUSAŞ), ANKA III conducted the weapons release using ASELSAN’s indigenous TOLUN munition during ongoing flight-test operations. According to TUSAŞ, the aircraft — which first flew on 28 December 2023 — released the munition from an internal bay at 20,000 feet while flying at approximately 180 knots, achieving a direct hit on the designated target labeled “12.”

This test both validates ANKA III’s weapon-bay integration and demonstrates the platform’s operational maturity in managing internal stores with precision. Internal carriage reduces radar cross-section and drag compared with external loadouts, enabling improved survivability and aerodynamic efficiency. Successfully launching a guided munition from the internal bay confirms that the platform’s mission computer, release mechanisms, fire-control and telemetry systems perform effectively under representative flight conditions.

The use of ASELSAN’s TOLUN adds another layer of domestic capability to the system: a locally produced smart munition integrated with ANKA III’s sensors and targeting architecture. Together, these technologies enhance the platform’s ability to conduct precision strikes in contested environments, where reduced observability and stand-off engagement options are increasingly critical. The test result therefore represents not only an airframe achievement but also an industrial success for Turkey’s unmanned systems and munitions ecosystem.

Moving forward, further tests are expected to explore different release envelopes, additional munition types, night operations and mission scenarios that demonstrate ANKA III’s full combat potential. This milestone underscores TUSAŞ and ASELSAN’s continued collaboration and Turkey’s advancing capability in producing high-end, integrated unmanned combat systems.