Malaysia to deploy first Turkish Anka-S drones for maritime surveillance in South China Sea.

According to information published by Malaysia Military Review on June 22, 2025, Malaysia has taken delivery of Turkish-made Anka-S Medium Altitude Long Endurance (MALE) unmanned aerial systems (UAS) developed by Turkish Aerospace Industries (TAI). The three unmanned systems, purchased under a MYR 423.8 million (approximately $89.4 million) agreement signed at the Langkawi International Maritime and Aerospace Exhibition (LIMA) in May 2023, arrived at Labuan Air Base, where they will be stationed.
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Malaysia selected the Anka-S variant, which is a satellite-controlled version of the original Anka platform developed for beyond-line-of-sight (BLOS) operations. (Picture source: TAI)

These unarmed Anka-S drones are intended to strengthen the Royal Malaysian Air Force’s (RMAF) maritime surveillance role over the South China Sea and to monitor foreign incursions into Malaysia’s Exclusive Economic Zone. The acquisition includes ground control stations, support equipment, and training. Despite the platform’s capability to carry weapons, Malaysian authorities have not ordered munitions at this stage, although the armed forces are reportedly considering additional acquisitions in future phases.

The procurement followed an open international tender process initiated in August 2020, which included evaluations of various MALE UAV options such as the General Atomics MQ-9 Reaper and China’s Wing Loong. Malaysian Prime Minister Datuk Seri Ismail Sabri Yaakob and King Sultan Abdullah both visited TAI headquarters in 2022. The Ministry of Defence eventually signed the Phase 1 contract with TAI in May 2023 for three drones. According to statements by Turkish Ambassador to Malaysia Emir Salim Yuksel and Deputy Defence Minister Dr. Celal Sami Tüfekçi, the program proceeded according to schedule, with specialized modifications and operator training ongoing throughout 2024 and 2025. Six RMAF personnel were deployed to Türkiye to monitor the construction process and oversee adaptation work. The first drone is due for formal handover by September 2025, with the third expected by November 2025. G7 Aerospace, a Malaysian company, completed upgrades at Labuan Air Base, including purpose-built hangars and support facilities required for operations.

Malaysia selected the Anka-S variant, which is a SATCOM (satellite-controlled) version of the original Anka platform developed for beyond-line-of-sight (BLOS) operations. The Anka project began in 2004 under Türkiye’s national UAV development program and has resulted in several variants, including the basic Anka-A, radar-equipped Anka-B, signal intelligence-oriented Anka-I, and the Anka-S currently in production. The Anka-S was introduced into service with the Turkish Air Force in 2017 and has since participated in multiple combat operations, including in Syria, Iraq, and Libya. The Anka program includes cooperation with Turkish firms such as Aselsan, AYESAS, Havelsan, and C2TECH for subsystems and payload integration. The drone has accumulated over 200,000 flight hours and has undergone multiple iterations, including engine replacements, radar upgrades, and synthetic aperture radar integration. A high degree of domestic content is used, including TEI-PD170 engines developed by TUSAŞ Engine Industries, replacing earlier German engines.

The Anka-S has a wingspan of 17.5 meters, a length of 8 meters, and a maximum takeoff weight of approximately 1,700 kilograms. It is powered by a diesel or JP-8 fueled engine and can remain airborne for 24 to 30 hours, depending on mission load. It cruises at around 204 km/h and reaches altitudes of up to 30,000 feet. The platform features a composite airframe, electro-mechanical actuators, redundant flight systems, and an autonomous flight control computer developed by TAI. The payload includes electro-optical/infrared cameras, Aselsan CATS optical targeting systems, synthetic aperture radar, GMTI radar, inverse SAR, and encrypted satellite communication via a ViaSat VR-18C antenna. Identification Friend or Foe (IFF) systems, a laser target designator, and a laser rangefinder are also integrated. Although Malaysia did not procure weapons, the platform is compatible with Roketsan’s MAM-L, MAM-C, MAM-T, Cirit, and UMTAS guided munitions, all previously tested in Turkish operations.

Operational deployment from Labuan Air Base will allow Malaysia to monitor maritime activity in the South China Sea and along the maritime border with the Philippines. Former Defence Minister Mohamad Hasan underlined the requirement to surveil 350 kilometers from the coastline and referenced the importance of having aerial platforms that provide persistent surveillance. The Labuan base infrastructure was adapted over a 12-month period by G7 Aerospace in cooperation with Turkish Aerospace, including the integration of fueling and maintenance systems. The RMAF No. 11 Squadron will operate the Anka-S systems, and training of aircrew and technicians has been ongoing since 2024. During LIMA 2025, it was confirmed that the UAVs would be used solely for maritime reconnaissance. The Malaysian government has indicated interest in expanding the fleet, with up to six additional drones planned under the 13th Malaysia Plan (2026–2030). A second UAV squadron based in Sabah is also under consideration, depending on future procurement decisions.

Malaysia’s purchase of the Anka-S follows other export contracts for the platform. Tunisia signed a contract worth $80 million for three Anka-S and three command stations and has since received five aircraft. Kazakhstan procured three Anka and plans to locally manufacture 30 more. Indonesia ordered 12 units, of which six are to be assembled domestically through cooperation with Indonesian Aerospace. Algeria ordered ten units, and Chad received two drones. In early 2025, Türkiye also announced the sale of Anka drones to Uzbekistan. The Anka platform has been deployed by multiple Turkish services, including the Air Force, Naval Forces, Gendarmerie, and National Intelligence Organization. In February 2020, an Anka-S was shot down in Syria near Dadikah, and another was downed in March near Saraqib. The platform was also confirmed as lost over Libya in 2020 and shot down by a USAF F-16 over Al-Hasaka in Syria in October 2023. Despite losses, the Anka-S has demonstrated a persistent operational presence in conflict zones.

The RMAF Chief, General Tan Sri Mohd Asghar Khan Goriman Khan, visited TAI facilities in Ankara on October 17, 2024, accompanied by Air Region 2 Commander Major General Ahmad Khusairi Ahmad Fadli and the Anka UAS project team. The visit included meetings with Turkish officials and tours of defense firms involved in the program, including Aselsan, Roketsan, and Havelsan. The visit occurred just before an attack attributed to the PKK targeted the TAI facility, causing fatalities and injuries. Nonetheless, the RMAF delegation continued with its scheduled participation in the SAHA Expo in Istanbul, where further discussions on bilateral military cooperation were held. During these engagements, General Asghar Khan emphasized Malaysia’s interest in expanding cooperation, including the training of personnel and participation in future joint programs. Malaysia’s acquisition of the Anka-S marks the first operational deployment of the platform in Southeast Asia and represents a milestone in the bilateral defense relationship between Malaysia and Türkiye.