Malaysia completed the first test flight of its ANKA unmanned aerial system on April 3, 2026, at Labuan Air Base in East Malaysia. The Royal Malaysian Air Force designated the platform as ANKA-THS, a variant of the Turkish-built ANKA-S UAV.
The three-hour flight formed part of final preparations ahead of operational induction, according to RMAF statements. The system will bolster intelligence, surveillance, target acquisition, and reconnaissance capabilities, focused on Eastern Malaysia and the South China Sea.
RMAF noted the ANKA-THS supports long-endurance missions over 20 hours, day-and-night all-weather operations, and persistent monitoring of maritime and land targets. Labuan’s location aids oversight of Malaysia’s Exclusive Economic Zone near contested waters.
Developed by Turkish Aerospace Industries, the MALE-class UAV features up to 24-30 hours endurance, 30,000-foot altitude, electro-optical and radar payloads, and SATCOM for beyond-line-of-sight control. Malaysia acquired three units under a 2023 contract, with deliveries in early 2026; the configuration prioritizes surveillance over strike roles.
This acquisition aligns with RMAF’s 2026 modernization, including preparations like organizational restructuring and infrastructure upgrades, as stated by Air Force Chief Gen Datuk Seri Muhamad Norazlan Aris. The ANKA-THS enhances maritime domain awareness amid regional tensions.