Turkey’s transition from arms importer to exporter is turbocharged by the ANKA-3, positioning it among the world’s top drone producers.
Turkey’s ANKA-3 stealth drone represents a leap forward in unmanned combat aerial vehicles (UCAVs), showcasing the nation’s burgeoning defense industry. Developed by Turkish Aerospace Industries (TAI), the ANKA-3 is a flying-wing design optimized for stealth, making it a formidable asset in modern warfare.
As Turkey advances its drone technology, the ANKA-3 is poised to disrupt regional military balances in the Middle East and elevate Turkey as a key player in the global arms market.
What to Know About Turkey’s ANKA-3 Drone
- Year Introduced: Not yet introduced (projected 2026)
- Number Built: 2 (prototypes)
- Length: 17.5 m (57.4 ft)
- Wingspan: 8 m (26.2 ft)
- Weight: 6.5-7 tons MTOW
- Engines: Single engine (projected upgrade to two turbofan engines in future)
- Top Speed: ~250 knots (288 mph, 463 km/h)
- Range: Unknown; 10 hours’ endurance
- Service Ceiling: 40,000 ft
- Loadout: Unknown; 1,200 kg (2,650 lb) payload for weapons
- Aircrew: 0
The ANKA-3, also known as the MIUS (Muharip Insansiz Ucak Sistemi), made its maiden flight in December 2023, lasting over an hour at altitudes up to 8,000 feet and speeds of 150 knots. By 2025, it has achieved significant milestones, including launching radar-deceiving decoys like the Super Şimşek and firing munitions such as the TOLUN missile and LGK-82 guided bomb from internal bays.
Its low-observable features, including a stealthy shape and internal weapons storage, reduce radar detection, enabling penetration of contested airspace. Though the drone has so far remained subsonic, TAI plans a twin-engine supersonic variant, enhancing speed and versatility.
Expected to join the Turkish Air Force by 2026, the ANKA-3 integrates with manned aircraft in a “loyal wingman” concept, amplifying Turkey’s air power. This builds on Turkey’s drone successes, like the Bayraktar TB2, proven in conflicts from Libya to Ukraine.
Turkey Could Be the Strongest Air Power in the Middle East
The ANKA-3’s deployment could profoundly alter the Middle East’s military landscape, where drone proliferation is reshaping conflicts. Turkey’s drones have already influenced battles in Syria, Libya, and the Caucasus, providing precision strikes and ISR advantages. The stealthy ANKA-3 amplifies this, enabling operations against sophisticated air defenses without risking pilots.
In the Aegean Sea, the drones could challenge Greece’s air superiority, escalating tensions over territorial disputes. In Syria and Iraq, they can bolster Turkey’s counterterrorism efforts against Kurdish groups, shifting power from ground forces to aerial dominance. Israeli media has expressed concern that Turkish drones could change regional balances fearing enhanced capabilities for allies like Azerbaijan or potential adversaries.
Broader implications include deterring Iranian influence and supporting Turkish-aligned Sunni movements in the Middle East, as seen in past drone uses.
By integrating with other UCAVs like the Akinci, the ANKA-3 creates a networked ecosystem for persistent operations in contested zones, reducing reliance on manned jets and lowering costs. This democratizes advanced warfare, allowing Turkey to project power asymmetrically and upset traditional hierarchies dominated by U.S. and Russian systems.
Turkey Is Building Up an Arms Export Industry
Turkey’s transition from arms importer to exporter is turbocharged by the ANKA-3, positioning it among the world’s top drone producers. With exports to 39 countries, including TB2 sales generating billions, Turkey captures market share from giants like the United States and China. The ANKA-3’s advanced stealth and combat features attract buyers seeking affordable, high-performance alternatives to restricted Western tech.
Exports enhance Turkey’s geopolitical leverage, as seen in deals with Ukraine and African nations. However, risks include proliferation concerns and strained alliances, like with NATO over Russian S-400 purchases. Despite sanctions, indigenous production—using Ukrainian engines initially—ensures resilience.
By 2025, Turkey’s drone industry fosters economic growth and soft power, with ANKA-3 symbolizing self-reliance.
The ANKA-3 stealth drone epitomizes Turkey’s defense ambitions, disrupting Middle Eastern military orders through superior technology and boosting its global arms stature. As production ramps up, expect increased exports and influence.
For observers of Turkish stealth drones and UCAV advancements, the ANKA-3 heralds a shift toward drone-centric warfare, cementing Turkey’s role in the evolving arms market.
About the Author: Brandon J. Weichert
Brandon J. Weichert is a senior national security editor at The National Interest. Recently, Weichert became the host of The National Security Hour on America Outloud News and iHeartRadio, where he discusses national security policy every Wednesday at 8pm Eastern. He is also a contributor at Popular Mechanics and has consulted regularly with various government institutions and private organizations on geopolitical issues. Weichert’s writings have appeared in multiple publications, including The Washington Times, National Review, The American Spectator, MSN, The Asia Times, and others. His books include Winning Space: How America Remains a Superpower, Biohacked: China’s Race to Control Life, and The Shadow War: Iran’s Quest for Supremacy. His newest book, A Disaster of Our Own Making: How the West Lost Ukraine is available for purchase wherever books are sold. He can be followed via Twitter @WeTheBrandon.
Image: Shutterstock / hikrcn.
