Malaysia to Receive Anka Drones from Turkey

Jun 2024

The Royal Malaysian Air Force (RMAF) has acquired three Anka Medium Altitude Long Endurance Unmanned Aerial Systems (MALE UAS) from Turkish Aerospace Industries (TAI). Malaysia is the first country in the region to deploy the battle-proven Anka MALE UAS, following a contract signed by the Defense Ministry with TAI during the Langkawi International Maritime and Aerospace Exhibition (LIMA) 2023.

These Turkish-made drones will be deployed at a strategic airbase on the island of Labuan in Sabah state to monitor potential breaches of Malaysian waters in the South China Sea. The chosen variant, Anka-S, is capable of flying non-stop for 24 to 30 hours at an altitude of 30,000 feet and carrying a payload of between 250-350 kilograms. In addition to performing Intelligence, Surveillance, and Reconnaissance tasks, the Anka-S drones can carry four MAM Smart Micro guided missiles, developed by Turkish defense company Roketsan, for ground strike missions. These missiles come in several variants: MAM-L (thermobaric), MAM-C (high explosive), and MAM-T (long-range attack).

The Anka-S drones are also equipped with advanced technology, including an electro-optic/infrared camera for high-resolution imaging in all weather conditions, an Identification Friend or Foe system, a laser target designator, and a laser range finder. Additionally, they feature a high-powered ViaSat VR-18C airborne satellite communications (SATCOM) antenna for secure beyond line-of-sight (BLOS) communication. The systems are currently undergoing installation specific to Malaysia’s requirements, as well as training for Malaysian personnel. Reports indicated that Malaysia is expected to receive the Anka MALE UAS drones in 2025. An additional three systems are planned for acquisition under the 13th Malaysia Plan (2026-2030). 

(Sources: Bernama; Turkiye Today)

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