(DEFENCE SECURITY ASIA) – The ANKA drone, developed by Turkish Aerospace Industries (TAI), is now equipped with the long-range L-UMTAS anti-tank missile, produced by Türkiye’s defense company, ROKETSAN.
Armed with the L-UMTAS missile capable of striking targets up to 8 kilometers away, the ANKA drone is now a highly effective “tank hunter.”
During testing, the ANKA drone successfully struck its target with the L-UMTAS missile from an altitude of 15,000 feet.
“This success achieved with ROKETSAN’s L-UMTAS anti-tank missile is a testament to the dedication of our engineers who work tirelessly day and night,” TAI stated.
“We are proud of this accomplishment, which strongly proves our engineering capabilities. We continue to strengthen our position on the international stage and showcase Türkiye’s strength in the skies with every success, propelled by our domestic and national technological advancements.”
The Long-Range L-UMTAS Anti-Tank Missile System can be deployed from both air and ground platforms to destroy main battle tanks, concrete bunkers, armored and unarmored vehicles, and personnel.
Its laser guidance system and tandem warhead ensure high effectiveness against both static and moving targets. The L-UMTAS missile can lock onto targets either before or after launch.
Technical Specifications of the L-UMTAS Missile:
Length: 1.8 meters
Diameter: 160 millimeters
Weight: 37.5 kilograms
Range: Up to 8 kilometers
Guidance: Semi-Active Laser Seeker
Warhead Types: Tandem Anti-Tank, High Explosive with Fragmentation, Thermobaric
Target Types: Static and moving targets, tanks, armored vehicles, combat vehicles, and concrete bunkers
“ANKA-S” UAS-MALE developed by Turkish Aerospace Industries (TAI)
The L-UMTAS can operate both day and night, with the capability to lock onto targets pre- or post-launch.
Malaysia has become the first Southeast Asian nation to acquire the combat-proven ANKA drone.
In May 2023, during the Langkawi International Maritime and Aerospace Exhibition (LIMA 2023), the Malaysian Ministry of Defence and TAI signed a contract for the procurement of three ANKA drones and supporting equipment.
Reports indicate that Malaysia plans to deploy these Turkish-made drones at the strategic airbase in Labuan to monitor intrusions into its waters in the South China Sea.
Malaysia is believed to have chosen the “ANKA-S” variant, capable of flying continuously for 24 to 30 hours at an altitude of 30,000 feet while carrying a payload between 250 to 350 kilograms.
The ANKA-S drone’s composite structure integrates an autonomous flight control computer developed by Turkish engineers, enabling waypoint navigation and flight control.
This autonomous flight system allows the ANKA-S to automatically return to a pre-designated location if communication with its ground control station is lost.
Equipped with Synthetic Aperture Radar (SAR), Inverse SAR (ISAR), and Ground Moving Target Indicator (GMTI) radar, the ANKA-S can detect, identify, and track both stationary and moving targets on land.
In addition to intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance (ISR) missions, Malaysia’s ANKA-S drones can also carry four MAM Smart Micro Missiles developed by another Turkish defense firm, Roketsan, for ground-attack operations.
The MAM missile series includes several variants: MAM-L (thermobaric), MAM-C (high explosive), and MAM-T (long-range strike).
The ANKA-S is further equipped with electro-optical/infrared (EO/IR) cameras for high-resolution imaging and video in all weather conditions, an Identification Friend or Foe (IFF) system, a laser target designator, and a laser rangefinder.
It also features the powerful ViaSat VR-18C airborne satellite communication antenna, providing secure, beyond-line-of-sight communication. — DSA