Turkish Aerospace Industries Secures 80 ANKA-3 UCAV Orders, Expands Production Capacity

Turkish Aerospace Industries (TUSAŞ) is significantly ramping up its production capabilities for the ANKA-3 Unmanned Combat Aerial Vehicle (UCAV), having received firm orders for 80 units. The company confirmed that a second manufacturing line dedicated to the stealthy ANKA-3 is nearing full operational status. This expansion comes as TUSAŞ concludes the construction of the new facility, which Breaking Defense reports is slated to commence operations in November.

The new line will focus on producing ANKA-3 variants featuring an enlarged fuselage and an enhanced payload capacity. TUSAŞ details reveal the UCAV’s payload capability is being upgraded from 1.3 tons to a more robust 1.75 tons, significantly boosting its mission flexibility.

The initial deliveries of these 80 ANKA-3 UCAVs to the Turkish Armed Forces (TAF) are scheduled to begin in 2027. Anticipation is high for the first aircraft from this new line to roll out shortly, followed by the commencement of its comprehensive flight test campaign.

Developed by TUSAŞ, the ANKA-3 is a versatile platform engineered for a broad spectrum of missions. Its operational profile includes intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance (ISR) tasks, sophisticated air-to-ground and air-to-air engagements, electronic warfare (EW) operations, and critical communication relay functions. Furthermore, the UCAV is designed for the suppression/destruction of enemy air defenses (SEAD/DEAD) by neutralizing adversary radar systems, and for providing protection to friendly forces.

For armament, the ANKA-3 boasts substantial internal and external carriage capabilities. It features two internal weapons bays, each capable of accommodating up to 650 kilograms. Additionally, it possesses internal wing stations supporting another 650 kilograms and external hardpoints with a capacity of 100 kilograms each. The UCAV is being integrated to deploy a diverse array of munitions, including the SOM-J cruise missile, MK-82 general-purpose bombs, and precision-guided munitions like the TOLUN. An ANKA-3 prototype has already been observed in flight carrying SÜPER ŞİMŞEK precision-guided munitions, demonstrating its formidable offensive potential.