Turkish Aerospace Industries Trials Armed Anka UAV

Turkish Aerospace Industries (TAI) successfully commenced trials of an armed version of the indigenous Anka medium altitude long endurance (MALE) unmanned aircraft, integrated with Roketsan MAM-L air-to-surface munition.

The tests were revealed by Turkish defense minister Fikri Isik and the country’s Undersecretariat for Defense Industries (SSM) on April 28 through the Twitter social media site.

The Anka was introduced to Turkish armed forces in 2013. The armed variant will be delivered to forces in 2017.

The armed Anka with a maximum payload of 200 kg is equipped with two under wing weapon stations, integrated with a Rokestan MAM-L missile launcher and a CIRIT 2.75 inch guided rocket pod.

The Smart Micro Munition (MAM-L) is an air-launched version of the Rokestan Laser guided LUMTAS anti-tank ground launched missile tailored for UAVs. It weighs 22.5 kg (50 lb) and has a range of 8 km. It can carry two missiles and the CIRIT pod can house four rockets.

The MAM-L is currently operational with the Turkish Bayraktar and Karayel tactical UAVs.