Turkey is planning to add satellite communication (SATCOM) capability to the domestically manufactured Anka unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV), Turkish Undersecretariat for Defense Industries (SSM) head Murad Bayar has revealed.
Bayar also informed that Turkish Engine Industries (TEI) has been ordered to develop an engine for the Anka after the original manufacturer, Avic International decided to abandon military business, and stopped deliveries in August. Anka manufacturer, Turkish Aerospace Industries (TAI) has previously ordered the Centurion engine for an initial batch of ten UAVs, but is now required to explore other options. ''Alternatively, we could consider an engine like Rotax, or modify an existing automobile engine for the Anka,'' Bayar noted, adding that the SSM is also very soon expected to sign a contract with TAI for acquisition of ten Anka systems for the Turkish Air Force.
Having completed acceptance tests in late January, the Anka medium altitude long endurance (MALE) UAV is designed for real-time image intelligence, surveillance, reconnaissance (ISR), target detection, recognition, identification and tracking missions.
