Turkey will begin receiving Anka-S drones in 2017

The Turkish Armed Forces will begin receiving its satellite-communication (SATCOM)-equipped Anka-S medium-altitude long-endurance (MALE) unmanned aerial vehicles (UAV) in 2017.

Turkish news publications, such as the Daily Sabah, report that 10 ground systems will be delivered to the armed forces, with deliveries set to be completed by 2018. The contract to supply the systems was signed in 2013.

Developed and produced by Turkish Aerospace Industries (TAI), the Anka is Turkey’s principal intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance (ISR) platform. Development commenced in 2004 and the Anka’s maiden test flight took place in December 2010.

The Anka-S has an endurance of 18 hours and can fly at an altitude of up to a little more than 7,000 metres. The Anka can carry a payload of 200 kg.