TAI Anka-3. The Anka-3 is a flying wing type stealth UCAV currently in development by Turkish Aerospace Industries. It is one of two Turkish jet-powered stealth UCAVs developed as part of Project MIUS, along with the Bayraktar Kızılelma.

Development and testing 
The runway tests of the Anka-3 began in April 2023. Its maiden flight took place on 28 December 2023. 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.

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. 

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.

On 13 January 2025, a TAI Anka-3 successfully completed a strike mission test with internal munitions such as the TOLUN bomb.

Technical Specifications: 
 Maximum takeoff weight: 6.5 tonnes
 Payload capacity: 1200 kg
 Cruise speed: 250 knots (460 km/h)
 Maximum airspeed: 450 knots (830 km/h)
 Service ceiling: 12,000 meters (39,000 ft)
 Maximum ceiling: 40,000 ft (12,000 m)
 Endurance: 10 hours
 Dimensions: 17.5 meters long, 8 meters wingspan
 Armament: Capable of carrying up to 1,300 kg of various munitions, including SOM-J, MAM, Mk82, and bunker busters.

Future developments

Propulsion and performance 
Initially powered by a single engine, TAI plans to equip the Anka-3 with two TEI TF-10000 turbofan engines. These domestically developed engines are expected to provide the UCAV with supersonic capabilities, allowing it to accompany the manned KAAN combat aircraft.

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. The UCAV can operate autonomously with line-of-sight and beyond-line-of-sight control.

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.

Integration and future prospects 
The Anka-3 is part of a broader Turkish drone ecosystem, including the Şimşek and Süper Şimşek drones. These unmanned systems work together to provide a comprehensive aerial capability.

Production of the Anka-3 is underway, with plans to deliver multiple units by 2028. 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.

The Anka-3's emergence is part of a global trend towards integrating unmanned 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.

See also
Aircraft of comparable role, configuration and era
Baykar Bayraktar Kızılelma
Sukhoi S-70 Okhotnik-B

References

Flying wings
Unmanned stealth aircraft
Single-engined jet aircraft
Unmanned military aircraft of Turkey

Single-engined pusher aircraft
Medium-altitude long-endurance unmanned aerial vehicles
Military robots
Anka-3
Synthetic aperture radar
Aircraft first flown in 2023