Media: Türkiye poised to lead future of drone combat PHOTO / VIDEO

Foreign media have been closely following the advancements in Türkiye's unmanned aviation sector.

According to Star, international reports have highlighted the ANKA-3 unmanned strike aircraft as a cutting-edge Turkish innovation, equipped with advanced features that set it apart from its predecessors, per Caliber.Az.

A key feature of the ANKA-3 is its low-observable design, which significantly reduces the risk of detection by enemy radar, allowing it to operate effectively in contested airspaces. The drone can reach speeds of up to Mach 0.7 (around 425 knots) and is powered by a jet engine, enabling it to operate at altitudes of up to 40,000 feet.

Hayalet… Görünmez Kalkan… ANKA III ile gurur dolu bir yıl! ✈️

Türkiye’nin yerli ve millî kanadı ANKA III bundan tam bir yıl önce gökyüzündeki cesur yolculuğuna başladı ve geride kalan bir yıl içinde👇🏻

✈️ İkinci prototipi ilk uçuşunu başarıyla tamamladı.
🎯 İki farklı… pic.twitter.com/YLSYGjxVTH

— Türk Havacılık Uzay Sanayii (@TUSAS_TR) December 28, 2024

Additionally, the UAV can stay airborne for up to 10 hours, making it well-suited for long-duration missions. Its ability to operate over long distances with beyond line-of-sight (BLOS) communication systems ensures it can be deployed in complex and dynamic environments.

Reports emphasize that the Turkish Air Force will deploy the ANKA-3 for a wide range of operations, from strategic intelligence gathering to tactical strikes. The integration of the ANKA-3 is expected to significantly enhance Türkiye’s defence capabilities and further develop the country's expertise in drone warfare.

Foreign media also point out that the ANKA-3 will soon be complemented by other promising drones, including the KIZILELMA unmanned fighter jet developed by Baykar. Designed for both air-to-air combat and ground target strikes, the KIZILELMA will serve as a crucial ally to the ANKA-3 in the Turkish Air Force’s expanding fleet of unmanned systems.

The combination of the ANKA-3 and KIZILELMA will provide the Turkish Air Force with a powerful mix of stealth, speed, and firepower, positioning Türkiye at the forefront of the rapidly advancing drone warfare field.

Finally, reports highlight that the integration of the ANKA-3 into the Turkish Air Force marks a new chapter in Türkiye's defence modernization efforts. With the potential addition of platforms like the KIZILELMA in the future, Türkiye could become a global leader in drone warfare, shaping military strategies and defence technologies on the world stage.

By Tamilla Hasanova