The Anka-3 drone. Source: Turkish Aerospace Industries.
On March 18, the Turkish Aerospace Industries (TAI) shared the first photo of the stealth Anka-3 jet-powered combat drone.
In the photo, the Anka-3, which features a flying-wing design, can be seen carrying two TAI ŞİMŞEK target drones on external hardpoints most likely for tests. The drone was developed in light of the experience gained from the ANKA-1 and 2, Aksungur, combat drones which have more traditional designs.
TAI didn’t share much information about the Anka-3. However, SavunmaSanayiST.com said that the drone will have a maximum take-off weight of seven tons.
The Anka-3 was mainly developed to carry out deep pinpoint strikes as well as suppression and destruction of enemy air defenses missions. The drone is expected to make its first flight in the second quarter of this year.
The design of the Anka-3 can be compared to that of the United States Northrop Grumman X-47B, Russia’s Sukhoi S-70 Okhotnik-B and China’s Hongdu GJ-11.
In the last few years, Turkey became one of the world’s key developers and manufacturers of reconnaissance and combat drones.
Taking into account the difficulties that major powers faced while developing their stealth drones, TAI will not likely complete the development of the Anka-3 for another few years. It is still unclear if Turkey is looking to export the drone in the future.
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