TAI Anka-3

Lore & Background

The Anka-3's runway tests began in April 2023, and its maiden flight took place on 28 December 2023, lasting one hour and ten minutes. On 20 August 2024, it successfully performed its first in-flight landing gear retraction test. A significant milestone occurred on 20 September 2024, when the Anka-3 completed its first live-fire test, striking a target with precision using the Aselsan AF500 electro-optic camera system and the Roketsan Teber-82 guidance kit. On 30 October 2024, an Anka-3 armed with a cruise missile became the first drone in history to be controlled by another aircraft in the loyal wingman role. On 13 January 2025, it completed a strike mission test with internal munitions such as the Tolun bomb. However, on 25 June 2025, a prototype crashed during a test flight conducted as part of the Anatolian Eagle 2025 international exercise.

The aircraft is initially powered by a single Ivchenko-Progress AI-322 turbofan engine, but TAI plans to equip it with two domestically developed TEI-TF10000 turbofan engines for supersonic capabilities. It features a low radar signature, endurance of up to 10 hours, and high altitude capabilities. The Anka-3 is equipped with manned-unmanned teaming, swarm technologies integrated with AI, electronic warfare, signals intelligence, and deep strike capabilities. It uses common avionics architecture and ground segment with the TAI Anka and TAI Aksungur. The prototype has a length of 8.9 m, wingspan of 13.1 m, height of 2.6 m, and a max takeoff weight of 7,250 kg. It can carry up to 1,600 kg of payload, with two internal stations (capable of carrying up to eight munitions) and five external stations on wings. Armament includes SOM-J cruise missiles, air-to-air missiles, Tolun guided glide bombs, and Teber-82 guided bombs.

Reader's Guide

The Anka-3 is notable as one of two Turkish jet-powered stealth UCAVs, alongside the Bayraktar Kızılelma, and represents a significant step in Turkey's efforts to reduce reliance on foreign military equipment. Its development includes advanced operational capabilities such as manned-unmanned teaming, AI-integrated swarm technologies, electronic warfare, and signals intelligence, positioning it as a multirole platform for both air-to-ground and air-to-air missions. The aircraft's successful live-fire test on 20 September 2024, conducted with Aselsan and Roketsan, and its historic loyal wingman control on 30 October 2024, where it became the first drone controlled by another aircraft, underscore its pioneering role in unmanned combat aviation. The Anka-3 is part of a broader Turkish drone ecosystem including the Şimşek and Süper Şimşek drones, and its production is underway with plans to deliver multiple units by 2028. Its capabilities have attracted international attention, with countries like Indonesia expressing interest. The crash of a prototype on 25 June 2025 during the Anatolian Eagle 2025 exercise highlights the challenges of development, but the program continues to advance Turkey's domestic defense industry and global trends in integrating unmanned systems into military operations.

Did You Know?

• The Anka-3's maiden flight took place on 28 December 2023 and lasted one hour and ten minutes.
• The Anka-3 is initially powered by a single Ivchenko-Progress AI-322 turbofan engine, with plans for two domestically developed TEI-TF10000 engines.
• A prototype of the Anka-3 crashed on 25 June 2025 during a test flight as part of the Anatolian Eagle 2025 international exercise.