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TAI Anka-3
Turkish Stealth UAV From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
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The Anka-3 is a flying wing type stealth unmanned combat aerial vehicle (UCAV) currently in development by Turkish Aerospace Industries.[4][5][6][7] It's first version is primarily designed to attack ground and sea targets but can also carry air-to-air missiles.[4][8] It is one of two Turkish jet-powered stealth UCAVs developed along with the Bayraktar Kızılelma. The Anka-3 is equipped with a suite of advanced operational capabilities. Key among these features is manned-unmanned teaming, allowing it to coordinate effectively with piloted aircraft. The platform also leverages swarm technologies integrated with artificial intelligence (AI). Additionally, the aircraft is also equipped for electronic warfare (EW) and signals intelligence (SIGINT) missions.[8] The aircraft used common avionics architecture and ground segment with TAI Anka and TAI Aksungur.[8]
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Development
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The runway tests of the Anka-3 began in April 2023.[9][10][11] Its maiden flight took place on 28 December 2023.[1][12][2][3] The UCAV was airborne for one hour and ten minutes. On 20 August 2024, the Anka-3 successfully performed its first in-flight landing gear retraction test, marking another significant milestone in its development.[13]
On 20 September 2024, the Anka-3 successfully completed its first live-fire test, striking its target with precision. This test, conducted with the collaboration of Aselsan and Roketsan, represents a milestone for Türkiye’s rapidly advancing defense industry. The live-fire test was carried out using the AF500 electro-optic camera system, produced by Aselsan, and the Teber-82 guidance kit, developed by Roketsan.[14]
On 30 October 2024, a TAI Anka-3 UCAV armed with a cruise missile became the first drone in history to be controlled by another aircraft in the loyal wingman role, representing an advancement in remote control capabilities for military aviation.[15][better source needed]
On 13 January 2025, a TAI Anka-3 successfully completed a strike mission test with internal munitions such as the TOLUN bomb.[16]
On 25 June 2025, a TAI Anka-3 prototype crashed during a test flight conducted as part of the Anatolian Eagle 2025 international exercise.[17][18]
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Design
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Propulsion and performance
Initially powered by a single engine, TAI plans to equip the Anka-3 with two TEI TF-10000 turbofan engines.[19] These domestically developed engines are expected to provide the UCAV with supersonic capabilities, allowing it to accompany the crewed KAAN combat aircraft.[19]
Operational capabilities
Designed for high-speed operations, the Anka-3 offers both air-to-ground and air-to-air capabilities. Its low radar signature enhances survivability, while its endurance of up to 10 hours and high altitude capabilities enable long-range missions.[20] The UCAV can operate autonomously with line-of-sight and beyond-line-of-sight control.[21]
Beyond its combat role, the Anka-3 can perform intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance (ISR) missions, as well as electronic warfare. Future variants may be larger with increased payload capacity, further expanding its capabilities.[22][21]
Integration and future prospects
The Anka-3 is part of a broader Turkish drone ecosystem, including the Şimşek and Süper Şimşek drones. These uncrewed systems work together to provide a comprehensive aerial capability.
Production of the Anka-3 is underway, with plans to deliver multiple units by 2028.[21] The development of the Anka-3 and its associated technologies reflects Turkey's aim to reduce reliance on foreign military equipment and establish a domestic defense industry.[20]
The Anka-3's emergence is part of a global trend towards integrating uncrewed systems into military operations. Its capabilities and the broader Turkish drone program have attracted international attention, with countries like Indonesia expressing interest in acquiring similar systems.[21]
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Specifications (prototype)
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The aircraft is now in the prototype stage. The technical specification of the production version could be different.
Data from Turkish Aerospace Industries,[4][8] Jane's,[23] TRT Haber,[22] Turkish Minute[24]
General characteristics
- Capacity: 1,200 kg (2,600 lb)[4] to 1,600 kg (3,500 lb)[8]
- Length: 7.9[4] to 8.9[8] m (25 ft 11 in to 29 ft 2 in)
- Wingspan: 12.5[4] to 13.1[8] m (41 ft 0 in to 43 ft 0 in)
- Height: 2.5[4] to 2.6[8] m (8 ft 2 in to 8 ft 6 in)
- Max takeoff weight: 6,500[4] to 7,250[8] kg (14,330 to 15,984 lb)
- Powerplant: 1 × Ivchenko-Progress AI-322 Turbofan engine
Performance
- Maximum speed: 787 km/h (489 mph, 425 kn) 0.7 Mach
- Cruise speed: 460 km/h (290 mph, 250 kn) 0.42 Mach
- Combat range: 1,075 or 750 km (668 or 466 mi, 580 or 405 nmi) air-to-air or air-to-ground configuration
- Endurance: 10 hours
- Service ceiling: 12,000 m (40,000 ft)
- Operational altitude: 7,600 m (25,000 ft)
Armament
- Hardpoints: 2 × internal stations (can carry up to eight munitions within its internal weapons bay), 5 × external stations on wings.
- Missiles
- Air-to-surface missiles
- SOM-J air-launched cruise missile (The missile has land attack and anti-ship capability)
- Air-to-air missiles
- Imaging infrared (IIR) guided air to air missile
- Radar guided air to air missile
- Air-to-surface missiles
- Bombs
- TOLUN guided glide bombs (The bomb has bunker buster capability. It is equipped with INS / GPS guidance.)
- Teber-82 (Mark 82 bomb equipped with Roketsan guidance kit. The kit is equipped with INS, GPS and a Semi-active laser seeker.)
- Mark 82 bomb , with provisions to carry combinations of:
- Other:
- External drop tank
Avionics
- AESA Radar
- IR Search and Track System (IRST)
- Electro-optical targeting system (EOTS)
- Electronic warfare: Electronic warfare support measures (ESM) and Electronic attack (EA) equipments
- Signals intelligence: Communications intelligence (COMINT) and Electronic intelligence (ELINT) equipments
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See also
Aircraft of comparable role, configuration and era
References
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