Thread by @EricNewton2020

From early 2021,TSK will encounter a new conundrum. They will have at least 4 domestic MALE drone systems competing against each other,and all are deemed 'strategic' as per TSK terminology. Here's why:
(1/n)

TUSAS Anka-S useful payload capacity(UPC):250 kg
TUSAS Anka+ UPC:350 kg
TUSAS Aksungur UPC:750 kg
Bayraktar AKINCI UPC:1500 kg

These 4 choices must be whittled down to at least 2.
(2/n)

There is no doubt about AKINCI making it to the inventory,so TSK has to chose between the other 3 competing TUSAS platforms. At first glance,choice seems obvious:for new systems only procure Aksungur. But that makes sense if UPC was the only criterion (3/n)

One Aksungur has 3 times the UPC of one Anka-S,so for ground strike missions,Aksungur is clearly ahead. But one Aksungur can't be in 3 places,where 3 Anka-S can be simultaneously carrying out ISR missions,generating far more data than one Aksungur (4/n)

There is also the question whether the Land Forces(KKK) will procure any of these 4. It is unlikely, because as per TSK doctrine,KKK only owns 'tactical' systems like Bayraktar TB2.(5/n)

One good thing about this conundrum of choice among the 3 TUSAS platforms,is that they all have same ground control stations,same flight softwares etc.(6/n)

For exports,Aksungur UCAV occupies a unique position. Not a single MALE system available for export in the world advertises 750 kg as useful payload capacity. It's either sub-500 kg types like Wing Loongs/CH-4s,or 1500 kg types like Reapers or Heron TPs.(7/n)

There are whole bunch of customers in the twin continents of Asia & Africa who would love to have the 750 kg useful payload capacity Aksungur,rather than the sub-500 kg type(too lightweight), or 1500 kg type (too pricey).(8/n)

Though as Turkey is a MTCR signatory,I am not sure how they will bend the 'rules' for exporting Aksungur UCAV. TUSAS explicitly advertises Aksungur as primarily for exports. (9/n)

Turkey has done a Transfer-of-Technology(ToT) of the Anka class UAVs/UCAVs to Tunisia,and after being manufactured/assembled in Tunisia,Anka is planned to be exported to countries across Africa.(10/n)

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