Turkey Downs Aircraft With Drone-Fired Missile
ANKARA, Turkey (WHN) – Turkey’s military has successfully destroyed a target aircraft using a supersonic missile fired from a stealth combat drone, defense industry officials confirmed. The test marks a significant milestone. It demonstrates a new air-to-air capability for the nation’s burgeoning unmanned aerial systems program.
The operation involved an Anka-3 unmanned combat aerial vehicle (UCAV) developed by Turkish Aerospace Industries (TAI). The drone fired a Roketsan-made IHA-230 supersonic missile, striking a Şimşek high-speed target drone.
Video of the test was released by Turkish defense officials. The footage shows the Anka-3 releasing the missile, which then accelerates and intercepts the target aircraft, resulting in its complete destruction.
The test occurred over a range of 25 kilometers (approximately 15.5 miles). The Anka-3 drone was reportedly controlled from a ground station, executing the live-fire mission against the designated target.
The Anka-3 is a “flying wing” design. This tailless configuration is intended to provide low-observable, or stealth, characteristics, making it difficult for enemy radar to detect. It represents one of Turkey’s most advanced indigenous aviation projects.
The missile used in the engagement, the IHA-230, is an air-to-surface ballistic missile adapted for this air-to-air role. Manufactured by Turkish defense giant Roketsan, the IHA-230 is stated to have a range exceeding 150 kilometers (93 miles), a capability that allows a launch platform to strike targets from a significant standoff distance.
This successful test is the first time a Turkish-made drone has downed another aircraft with a supersonic missile. The accomplishment highlights a strategic push by Ankara to develop and field sophisticated, domestically produced military hardware.
Officials noted the complexity of the test. It required seamless integration between the TAI-built Anka-3 UCAV and the Roketsan-produced IHA-230 missile system. The Şimşek target drone, also a TAI product, is designed to simulate enemy aircraft and cruise missiles for air defense training.
This test is not the first instance of a Turkish drone engaging an aerial target. In a previous exercise, a Bayraktar TB2 drone successfully destroyed a Şimşek target drone using a laser-guided MAM-L missile. The Anka-3 test, however, involves a far faster and longer-range weapon system.
Development of the Anka-3 has been rapid. The UCAV performed its maiden flight in December 2023. This live-fire success less than a year later suggests an accelerated development and testing schedule for the platform.
The Anka-3 is designed to carry a substantial payload. It will be used for deep-strike missions, reconnaissance, and suppression of enemy air defenses, according to information released by TAI. Integrating air-to-air capabilities expands its potential mission set dramatically.
The test took place near Şanlıurfa in southeastern Turkey. The region is frequently used by the Turkish military for advanced weapons testing and exercises. Further tests for the Anka-3 and its various munitions are expected.
