Anka-3 UCAV from Türkiye Conducts First Armed Flight
The Anka-3 unmanned combat aerial vehicle (UCAV) has successfully completed its first flight carrying ammunition. This milestone, announced by Turkish Aerospace Industries (TAI) on Sunday, marks a crucial step in the evolution of Turkey’s domestic drone technology.
Advancing Turkey’s Defense Capabilities
The Anka-3, Turkey’s first flying-wing, deep-strike stealth unmanned fighter jet, continues to demonstrate rapid progress in its development:
- December 2023: Successful maiden flight
- March 2023: First engine run
- August 2024: Completed key flight test with landing gear retraction
- September 2024: First flight with ammunition
“once again demonstrated the power it will provide to our country in the field of defense.”
TAI General Manager Mehmet Demiroğlu stating
Anka-3 UCAV Specifications
The Anka-3 boasts impressive capabilities that position it as a formidable asset in modern aerial warfare:
- Service altitude: Up to 40,000 feet
- Endurance: Up to 10 hours at 30,000 feet
- Speed: 250kts/0.42M at 30,000 feet (cruising), 425kts/0.7M maximum
- Maximum takeoff weight: 6,500 kilograms (14,330.1 pounds)
- Payload capacity: 1,200 kilograms
Key advantages include low radar visibility, high speed due to its jet engine, and substantial payload capacity.
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Strategic Importance
The successful armed flight of the Anka-3 underscores Turkey’s commitment to developing advanced, domestically-produced defense technologies. This achievement is part of Turkey’s broader strategy to enhance its military capabilities and reduce dependence on foreign suppliers.
TAI emphasized the significance of this milestone, stating, “Our defense industry is advancing rapidly into the future with the power of our domestic and national technology.”
Looking Ahead
As the third member of TAI’s Anka drone family, the Anka-3 represents a significant leap forward in UCAV technology. Its development and successful tests pave the way for enhanced aerial capabilities in reconnaissance, surveillance, and combat operations.
The continued progress of the Anka-3 program signals Turkey’s growing influence in the global defense industry and its potential to become a major player in the UCAV market.
With each successful test, the Anka-3 moves closer to operational deployment, promising to bolster Turkey’s defense posture and potentially reshape regional military dynamics.
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