Turkish Aerospace Industries (TUSAŞ) CEO Mehmet Demiroğlu stated that the ANKA-III unmanned aerial vehicle programme is approaching serial production and announced that more than 50 orders are expected from the Turkish Air Force.
Design of the production version finalised
In an interview with SAHA Istanbul, TUSAŞ CEO Mehmet Demiroğlu shared important information on the current status of the ANKA-III UAV programme and the roadmap ahead.
Demiroğlu said that, based on test data obtained from two prototypes and user feedback, the necessary revisions had been made to the design, and that the final design of the production version was finalised approximately two months ago.
Two new prototypes featuring the updated design are planned to be produced in 2026.
Targeting a fast production line
It is stated that, alongside the testing process, simultaneous focus is also being placed on establishing serial production infrastructure for ANKA-III. Demiroğlu noted that while test activities will continue with the new prototypes to be produced in 2026, work to set up the ANKA-III production line is also being carried out in parallel.
Pointing to the automotive industry as an example, the TUSAŞ CEO highlighted the importance of high-tempo, cost-effective and scalable production models to ensure that unmanned aerial vehicles can be inducted into service rapidly.
Expectation of more than 50 orders
Demiroğlu emphasised that more than 50 orders for ANKA-III are expected from the Turkish Air Force. These orders are expected to be clarified as the aircraft’s operational capabilities mature and serial production begins.
In addition to the anticipated orders from the Turkish Air Force, it was noted that there is also interest from foreign countries in purchasing ANKA-III and in joint development opportunities. TUSAŞ continues to evaluate these requests.
Critical threshold for ANKA-III
With the completion of the serial production design and the commencement of production line activities, the ANKA-III programme has entered a critical phase. The new prototypes to be produced in 2026 are expected to play a decisive role both in performance verification tests and in accelerating the production process.
