ANKARA, Turkey—The Anka, a medium-altitude, long-endurance drone developed by Tusas Turkish Aerospace Industry (TAI) made its debut missionary flight, Turkish aerospace officials said.
The Anka flew on Feb. 5 in Turkey”s eastern province of Elazig. The drone reached an altitude of 19,000 feet and successfully carried out a four-hour exploration and observation flight.
The choice of location for the debut flight was strategic, according to Deputy Defense Minister Suay Alpa. “[We expect]… all elements of the defense industry will support and strengthen this struggle,” Alpay said, referring to renewed violence in the country”s eastern and southeastern regions between the Turkish military and separatists Kurdish militants of the Kurdistan Workers” Party (PKK).
TAI started its work on the Anka in 2004. In 2013, the company won a contract from the Turkish government to supply 10 Ankas and their ground control stations.