Sudan’s military has reportedly introduced Turkish-made ANKA unmanned aerial vehicles into active service, potentially expanding its surveillance and strike capabilities as fighting continues across Darfur.
Local Sudanese media reported on Tuesday, October 20, citing unnamed sources, that the Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF) had begun operating the advanced Turkish aircraft, with suggestions that the drones could strengthen the military’s aerial operations against the Rapid Support Forces (RSF).
However, the reports provided no details about when the aircraft entered service, how many had been acquired or whether they had participated in combat operations.
The reported deployment has not been independently verified, and neither Sudan’s military nor Turkish Aerospace Industries (TUSAŞ), the manufacturer of the ANKA family, has publicly confirmed the development.
Turkish drone technology expands Sudan’s aerial warfare
The ANKA is a medium-altitude, long-endurance unmanned aircraft developed by Turkish Aerospace Industries for intelligence gathering, surveillance, reconnaissance and other military missions.
The aircraft can operate for extended periods, allowing military forces to monitor large areas and conduct missions beyond the capabilities of smaller tactical drones.
According to the manufacturer, the standard ANKA platform can remain airborne for up to 30 hours and carry a payload exceeding 350 kilograms.
Turkey has also developed more advanced aircraft within its unmanned aviation programme, including the ANKA-III, a jet-powered platform designed for reconnaissance and combat missions.
The reported deployment comes as Sudan’s military increasingly relies on foreign-manufactured unmanned aircraft in its campaign against the RSF.
Turkish-made Bayraktar drones have previously been documented in Sudan’s conflict, although these are manufactured by Baykar, a separate Turkish defence company, and should not be confused with the ANKA series.
Growing concerns over drone warfare
The reported introduction of another Turkish drone platform comes amid mounting international concern over the escalating use of unmanned aircraft in Sudan’s civil war.
Drone strikes have increasingly affected civilian populations, with attacks reported against markets, residential areas and essential infrastructure across Darfur, Kordofan and other conflict-affected regions.
The expansion of sophisticated aerial capabilities has raised concerns that Sudan’s conflict could become increasingly dependent on long-range strikes, further exposing civilians to the consequences of aerial warfare.
