Malaysia operates newly acquired Anka UAVs

A Turkish Aerospace Anka with a Simsek aerial target mounted on the port wing, model displayed at Paris Air Show 2023. (Janes/Sam Wise)

The Royal Malaysian Air Force (RMAF) has test-flown its newly acquired Turkish Aerospace Anka-S unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) platform for the first time.

The type's maiden test flight in RMAF service was conducted from Labuan Air Base in the state of Sabah in East Malaysia on 3 April, the air force said on 4 April. The flight confirms the RMAF's induction of the platform, which has been designated as the Anka-THS in Malaysian service.

“The three-hour flight test is part of the preparation before handing over new assets to the RMAF,” the air force added.

Malaysia ordered three Anka-S UAVs in a MYR423.8 million (USD104 million) contract announced in 2023. Malaysia received the three UAVs in January 2026, a Turkish Aerospace spokesperson told Janes on 6 April. Ground tests and institutional acceptance procedures have been completed, the spokesperson added.

Persistent capability

The three UAVs have been deployed with No 11 Squadron at Labuan Air Base, the RMAF said. The service added that the Anka-THS deployment will improve its intelligence, surveillance, target acquisition, and reconnaissance (ISTAR) capabilities in the eastern region and over the South China Sea.

The RMAF also described Labuan as a strategic location for Malaysia, due to its proximity to the South China Sea.

The Anka is a medium-altitude long-endurance (MALE) UAV. The platform has a maximum level speed of 140 kt, a maximum take-off weight of 1,700 kg, a radius of action of 135 n miles, and an endurance of 30 hours. The Anka-S configuration includes satellite communications (satcom), secure communications, and a new electro-optic/infrared sensor, according to Janes data.