Turkey unveils advanced unmanned stealth drone in maiden flight

ANKA III, celebrated for its successful maiden flight by Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, distinguishes itself with advanced stealth and high payload capabilities. Developed by Turkish Aerospace Industries (TAI), this jet-powered drone features a design for reduced radar visibility.

Download the SAN app today to stay up-to-date with Unbiased. Straight Facts™.

Point phone camera here

Tailored for versatility, ANKA III excels in stealth, making it ideal for reconnaissance, surveillance and intelligence missions.

With capabilities for air-to-ground and air-to-air tasks, it collaborates seamlessly with friendly elements. The drone reaches a maximum speed of 540 mph and operates at an altitude of 40,000 feet.

Erdogan expressed confidence in ANKA III’s advanced technologies, emphasizing its role in fortifying Turkey’s defense and addressing potential gaps in the Turkish Air Force, particularly amid delays in acquiring F-16 fighters.

ANKA III further enhances Turkey’s capabilities with two fuselage stations capable of carrying 1,400 pounds of weapons, including U.S.-made Mk 82 bombs and locally produced SOM-J standoff missiles.

These advancements underscore Turkey’s commitment to unmanned aircraft technology and aerospace progress. The nation’s focus on collaborative crewed and uncrewed systems highlights a strategic emphasis on self-sufficiency in defense capabilities.