Reactive Drones on a Suspension: Turkey Showed New Configuration of ANKA III

What is Known About Launches from ANKA III

According to НВ — Техно: The Turkish manufacturer TUSAŞ presented images showing the ANKA III drone carrying two small jet devices under its wings. This option allows for the launch of drones directly in the air-expanding the capabilities of unmanned aviation. Previously, on August 18, 2026, ANKA III had already performed the launch of the SÜPER ŞİMŞЕК device at an altitude of about 10,130 feet at a speed of 150 knots. Such a scheme could significantly influence how air operations will be conducted in the future.

For the international audience, it is worth noting: Turkey is deliberately developing its own unmanned aerial complexes, and schemes for launching small drones from larger platforms are already being viewed as a promising direction.

The ANKA III itself is a flying wing type of apparatus equipped with a turbofan engine. The aircraft ceiling is 12,000 meters, with a maximum speed of 0.7 Mach (790 km/h) at an altitude of 9,000 meters, and a maximum flight duration of up to 10 hours. Such specifications allow the drone to be used for reconnaissance, electronic warfare, signal relaying, and cooperation with both manned and unmanned complexes.

As for the suspended SÜPER ŞİMŞЕК devices, their length is 5 meters, and takeoff weight is up to 200 kg, with a payload capacity of 50 kg. They can ascend to heights of up to 10.5 km and accelerate to 0.85 Mach (647 mph). The purpose of these drones includes strike missions, creating noticeable radar and infrared signatures, electronic support, signal suppression, and jamming. Additionally, the devices can autonomously perform flights and receive updated tasks while in the air.

Exhibition Demonstrations and Integration into Air Force Structure

At SAHA Expo 2026, Turkish Aerospace showcased ANKA III, which was carrying two SÜPER ŞİMŞЕК devices-confirming technological capabilities. Earlier at the 2026 World Defense Exhibition, a concept of cooperation between the manned fighter KAAN and the ANKA III drones was demonstrated. In March 2026, Turkey announced that several SÜPER ŞİMŞЕК devices were being inducted into the national Air Force.

However, the full three-tier linkage of KAAN-ANKA III-SÜPER ŞİMŞЕК has not yet been publicly demonstrated. Against this backdrop, the USA introduced the MORFIUS X-Rotor from Lockheed Martin-a drone capable of neutralizing over 50 enemy drones in a single combat sortie. This device features vertical takeoff and landing and is equipped with an active radar homing head, indicating growing competition in the field of unmanned systems.

The development of ANKA III and SÜPER ŞİMŞЕК confirms that unmanned devices are increasingly defining the character of modern armed forces.

This changes not only combat tactics but also the requirements for air defense systems. The integration of new technologies in the Turkish army shows that innovations are becoming a key element of national security.

Interestingly, in the context of unmanned aviation development, it is worth noting the achievements of the USA, which are also actively working on new drone technologies. For example, they recently introduced a reusable interceptor capable of effectively destroying enemy devices. This underscores global trends in military aviation and the importance of integrating new solutions.