TAI Anka MALE UAV Program

The TAI Anka-3 program develops a stealthy, jet-powered unmanned combat aerial vehicle (UCAV) with a flying-wing design for low observability, high speed, and internal weapons carriage, aimed at medium-altitude long-endurance (MALE) operations in high-threat environments as part of manned-unmanned teaming (MUT) with platforms like KAAN and Hurjet. As of early 2026, the program has finalized its critical design review, completed initial flight and munitions tests with two prototypes, initiated production of two more prototypes, and begun serial production preparations, with the Turkish Air Force expected to order over 50 aircraft this year though no contract is yet announced. From a defense-intelligence perspective, Anka-3 enhances Turkey's strategic autonomy in UAV capabilities, transitioning from propeller-driven drones to survivable stealth assets that compete with Western programs, bolster operational doctrine, and attract export interest while integrating combat lessons for regional power projection.