At the World Defense Show 2026 in Riyadh, Turkish Aerospace Industries (TAI) unveiled a concept for manned-unmanned teaming (MUM-T) that pairs its forthcoming Kaan fifth-generation fighter with two Anka-III unmanned combat aerial vehicles (UCAVs). The demonstration highlights Turkey’s growing expertise in drone technology and its ambition to become a major player in the global aerospace market.
Kaan and Anka-III: A Collaborative Approach
The Kaan, with a length of 20.3 meters, a wingspan of 13.4 meters, and a maximum takeoff weight of 34,750 kilograms, is designed to be Turkey’s next-generation fighter aircraft. It is expected to reach Mach 1.8 (approximately 2,200 kilometers per hour) and operate at altitudes exceeding 16,700 meters. To complement the Kaan’s capabilities, TAI has developed the Anka-III, a stealthy UCAV designed for penetrating defended airspace, carrying munitions, and executing high-risk missions.
The core of the concept revolves around the MUM-T approach, where the piloted Kaan acts as a mission commander. The two Anka-III drones operate in a supporting role, with the Kaan pilot supervising communications, target validation, and engagement authorization. This architecture allows for the deployment of unmanned assets into potentially dangerous situations while retaining a human in the decision-making loop.
Technical Underpinnings: Radar, Avionics, and Future AI Integration
The Kaan is equipped with an active electronically scanned array (AESA) radar. Unlike traditional mechanical radars, AESA radars electronically steer their beams, enabling simultaneous detection of multiple targets and improved resistance to jamming. The aircraft also features an integrated radio frequency system for electronic warfare and an infrared search and track (IRST) system, which detects enemy aircraft by their heat signatures without emitting radar signals.
These sensor inputs are centralized by a mission computer, presenting the pilot with a comprehensive situational awareness picture on a large touchscreen display and a helmet-mounted display. The pilot can assign targets to the Anka-III drones, program coordinated attack sequences, or direct a drone to perform reconnaissance while the other prepares for an engagement.
TAI plans to integrate artificial intelligence (AI) into the system to automate certain tasks. For example, a drone could autonomously adjust its trajectory to evade a detected threat without requiring explicit human command. This would further enhance the speed and efficiency of the collaborative combat system.
Strategic Implications and Potential Customers
The demonstration at the Riyadh defense show included an Anka-III drone displaying Saudi Arabian markings, signaling a clear intent to market the system to the Kingdom. Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan has discussed the possibility of a joint investment with Saudi Arabia, with potential scenarios including direct purchase, joint production, final assembly within Saudi Arabia, or a hybrid approach.
Discussions reportedly involve potential orders ranging from 20 to 100 aircraft. Turkish industry representatives suggest that a local assembly line would only be economically viable with an order of around 50 to 100 Kaans, to justify the infrastructure investment (estimated at over 10 billion euros depending on configuration and technology transfer levels).
Indonesia has already signed a framework agreement for 48 aircraft, structured in phases. Other countries are also observing the development with interest.
Kaan Development and Timeline
The first flight of the Kaan took place on , lasting thirteen minutes and reaching an altitude of approximately 2,400 meters (8,000 feet) and a speed of 425 kilometers per hour. A subsequent flight in May 2024 reached an altitude of 3,000 meters higher. These tests validated the aircraft’s aerodynamic characteristics, and three prototype aircraft are currently dedicated to expanding the flight envelope.
Serial production is targeted for . Initial aircraft will be powered by the American General Electric F110 engine, producing between 130 and 135 kilonewtons of thrust. A domestically developed Turkish engine, the TF35000, is under development, aiming for approximately 155 kilonewtons of thrust, with integration planned around .
The Kaan will be capable of carrying eight internal and six external weapon stations, along with a 30-millimeter cannon. Its armament options include Gökdoğan and Bozdoğan air-to-air missiles, SOM cruise missiles, and SARB-83 or NEB-84 guided bombs.
Turkey’s Expanding Drone Capabilities
This development builds on Turkey’s recent successes in drone technology. Notably, the Bayraktar Kızılelma, a Turkish-designed jet-powered stealth UCAV, recently became the first drone to shoot down a jet aircraft with an air-to-air missile, without a human pilot in the loop. The Anka-III appears to be a continuation of this trend, demonstrating Turkey’s ambition to be a leading innovator in aerial drone systems.
Global Trends in Autonomous Wingman Concepts
Turkey is not alone in exploring autonomous wingman concepts. Dassault Aviation in France is working on similar collaborations between the Rafale fighter and combat drones. The nEUROn demonstrator, developed with European partners, served as a testbed for stealth, secure data links, and tactical coordination. The United States is developing Collaborative Combat Aircraft (CCA) to augment the F-35 and F-22. Australia’s MQ-28 Ghost Bat, developed by Boeing, is another example of a drone designed to operate alongside manned fighters. The common goal is to multiply sensors, distribute risk, and overwhelm adversaries, transforming the pilot’s role into that of a fleet manager.
