Anka-3 Stealth Drone

Manufacturer: TAI (Turkish Aerospace Industries)
Category: Attack & Multirole Drones (UAVs)
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Maximum Speed Mach 0.7 (425 knots)
Endurance 10 hours
Operational Range >1,000 km (combat radius, configuration dependent)
Payload Capacity 1,200–1,600 kg

Defense Systems Full Specifications

1. General Information

Name	Anka-3 (ANKA III)
Manufacturer	Turkish Aerospace Industries (TUSAŞ)
Country of Origin	Turkey
Type / Role	Stealth Unmanned Combat Aerial Vehicle (UCAV)
First Flight / Introduced	December 2023
Status	Prototype / Advanced Flight Testing
Unit Cost	Estimated $25–30 million (projected)

2. Performance

Maximum Speed	Mach 0.7 (787 km/h)
Cruise Speed	250 knots (460 km/h)
Operational Range	>1,000 km (combat)
Endurance	10 hours
Service Ceiling	40,000 ft (12,000 m)

3. Dimensions

Length	7.9–8.9 m
Wingspan	12.5–13.1 m
Height	2.5–2.6 m
Maximum Takeoff Weight (MTOW)	6,500–7,250 kg

4. Payload & Armament

Payload Capacity	1,200–1,600 kg
Hardpoints	2 internal bays + external stations
Weapons	Precision munitions, SOM-J, glide bombs, EW pods
Sensors	EO/IR, SAR, electronic warfare suite

5. Propulsion

Engine Type	Turbofan (AI-322)
Engine Power	Approximately 5,000+ lb thrust (est.)

6. Communication & Control

Control Type	Remote / Autonomous
Data Link Range	LOS / BLOS Satellite
Navigation	GPS/INS with anti-jam capabilities

7. Operational Use

Primary Users	Turkish Air Force (projected)
Combat Proven	No (in development)
Notable Operations	Loyal wingman testing with Süper Şimşek

PROS

Reduced radar signature via flying-wing configuration improves survivability in IADS environments.
High subsonic speed provides better responsiveness than propeller-driven MALE UAVs.
Substantial payload capacity for internal stealthy weapons carriage.
Indigenous development supports rapid upgrades and supply chain independence.
Common avionics/GCS with Anka family eases operator transition and logistics.

CONS

Still in prototype/testing phase with full operational capability pending.
Single-engine design may limit redundancy compared to twin-engine peers.
Limited public data on exact RCS performance and full sensor suite.
Shorter endurance than large U.S. MALE platforms like the MQ-9.
Export restrictions and integration challenges with Western munitions possible.

Anka-3 Stealth UCAV: Turkey’s Flying-Wing Combat Drone

The Anka-3 represents a significant advancement in Türkiye’s indigenous unmanned combat aerial vehicle (UCAV) program. Designed as a stealthy, high-subsonic platform, it enables operations in contested airspace where traditional MALE UAVs face higher risks.

Turkish Aerospace Industries (TUSAŞ) developed the Anka-3 as part of Türkiye’s push for self-reliant defense technologies. The program builds on the successful Anka family while introducing a tailless flying-wing configuration optimized for reduced radar cross-section. First flight occurred in December 2023, with advanced testing ongoing and entry into service targeted for 2026.

The Anka-3 features a single turbofan engine (Ivchenko-Progress AI-322, with future indigenous options) that propels it to a maximum speed of Mach 0.7 (approximately 425 knots / 787 km/h) at altitude. It offers a service ceiling of 40,000 ft and endurance of around 10 hours at 30,000 ft, supporting deep-strike missions with an operational radius exceeding 1,000 km in certain configurations.

Payload capacity reaches 1,200–1,600 kg, distributed across two internal weapon bays and external hardpoints. This allows carriage of precision-guided munitions, SOM-J cruise missiles, glide bombs, and electronic warfare pods while maintaining stealth. The platform supports ISR with EO/IR and SAR sensors, electronic attack, satellite communications, and loyal wingman operations, including deployment of smaller UAVs like the Süper Şimşek.

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For U.S. defense analysts and allied procurement teams, the Anka-3 highlights emerging capabilities from NATO partner nations. Its design emphasizes cost-effective survivability through low observability and distributed effects rather than pure kinetic performance.

Key Capabilities

Low-observable flying-wing design
Autonomous and MUM-T (manned-unmanned teaming) potential with platforms like TF Kaan
Multi-role flexibility: strike, SEAD/DEAD, ISR, and EW

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