Uzbekistan is set to acquire ANKA unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) from Turkish Aerospace Industries (TUSAŞ), a leading company in Türkiye’s defence sector. Deliveries are expected to commence in the coming days. However, Uzbekistan has not yet disclosed details regarding the number of drones, cost, or specifics of the agreement.
Originally developed in the early 2000s for the Turkish Armed Forces, the ANKA UAVs were initially designed for surveillance and reconnaissance missions. Over time, they have been enhanced with advanced radar systems, precision weaponry, and satellite communication capabilities, making them suitable for a broader range of operations.
The first model, Anka-A, was introduced in 2010 and entered service in 2013 following an initial contract with the Turkish Air Force. In the following years, ANKA UAVs were equipped with cutting-edge technologies such as a national mission computer, advanced flight control system, synthetic aperture radar, and a friend-or-foe identification system.
Today, the Anka-B and Anka-S models stand as some of the most significant products in Türkiye’s defence industry, while the Anka-I variant has been specifically developed for Türkiye’s National Intelligence Organisation (MİT) for signals intelligence purposes. As of 2021, ANKA UAVs had logged over 90,000 flight hours, demonstrating their operational success.
Uzbekistan has been undergoing a significant military modernisation process in recent years. According to a US News assessment last year, Uzbekistan ranked 19th globally in military strength, the highest ranking among Central Asian countries.
The introduction of ANKA UAVs into Uzbekistan’s defence inventory is expected to significantly enhance the country’s surveillance and defence capabilities.
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