Successful Missile Test of ANKA III’s Super Lightning
**A successful missile test of the Super Lightning missile, developed by Turkish Aerospace Industries (TUSAŞ), has been successfully conducted with the ANKA III drone, a key asset in Turkey’s aviation industry.** This test marks a significant milestone in the capabilities of the ANKA III, showcasing the advancements made in Turkish defense technology.
TUSAŞ announced the successful launch through its official X account, illustrating the achievement with the statement, “Super shot from ANKA III to the target!” The company emphasized its commitment to national engineering endeavors, noting that these technological successes bolster Turkey’s position in the aviation sector.
Details of the Super Lightning Launch
The missile target was successfully struck using LGK-82 ammunition, a product of ASELSAN. Earlier in March, the ANKA III MİUS had already demonstrated its proficiency by successfully launching this ammunition and hitting the designated target. TUSAŞ shared footage of this successful test, stating, “We are determined to strengthen our defense industry and reinforce our dominance in the sky.”
Prof. Dr. Haluk Görgün, head of the Defense Industry, commented on this successful test, highlighting that the firing of the LGK-82 represents a significant enhancement in aerial effectiveness. He described this achievement as a testament to Turkey’s technological advancements and resilience in developing a robust defense industry.
Earlier Achievements of ANKA III
Earlier in 2025, the ANKA III made waves with another successful shot using TOLUN ammunition, also manufactured by ASELSAN. On January 13, 2025, it executed a launch from a height of 20,000 feet, reaching a speed of 180 knots. This further illustrates the drone’s operational capabilities and reinforces its prestigious engineering pedigree.
The successful demonstration of these capabilities shows ANKA III’s evolution into a versatile platform, adept at performing a wide array of missions, thereby positioning itself as a linchpin in Turkey’s defense strategy.
Technical Specifications of Super Lightning
During an interview in May 2023, Ömer Yıldız, Deputy General Manager of TUSAŞ UAV Systems, shared valuable insights regarding the technical specifications of the Super Lightning missile. Developed from the experiences gained with the Lightning UAV, the Super Lightning showcases advancements in design and functionality.
Weighing in at 200 kg, the Super Lightning can achieve speeds between 0.8 and 0.9 Mach. Its capabilities extend beyond air-to-ground attacks, allowing it to perform diverse missions, including Electronic Support and Electronic Attack. Furthermore, it can execute coordinated attacks in swarms and is capable of striking critical targets, especially air defense systems, thanks to its 35 kg warhead capacity.
Precision Strikes by ANKA III
The ANKA III has delivered remarkable performance in operational settings, evidenced by its precise hit on the target with TOLUN ammunition. This reliability enhances the military’s confidence in the ANKA III as a sophisticated platform capable of executing complex missions effectively.
In light of these successes, the continuous development and deployment of drones like the ANKA III represent Turkey’s strategic priorities in strengthening its defense capabilities, underscoring the significance of homegrown technologies in achieving national security objectives.
