The Chadian Air Force (AAT) has taken a significant step in bolstering its aerial capabilities by acquiring at least one Aksungur unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) from Turkish Aerospace (TUSAŞ). This move marks a pivotal moment in Chad’s military modernization efforts.
On April 21, the AAT released a video showcasing an Aksungur drone adorned with AAT markings and the Turkish-format serial number 23013. The footage captured the UAV taking off from Adji Kosseï Air Base, located at N’Djamena International Airport, equipped with eight MAM-L small laser-guided bombs. Additionally, the video highlighted the training of AAT personnel by TUSAŞ experts in Türkiye.
The AAT’s current fleet includes two TUSAŞ Anka UAVs and three Hürkuş-C turboprop light-attack aircraft. These were first presented during a visit by President General Mahamat Idriss Déby Itno to Adji Kosseï Air Base in July 2023.
The Aksungur, initially known as Anka-2, is a twin-engine UAV that boasts a maximum take-off weight of 3,300 kg and can carry a payload exceeding 750 kg. This is a significant enhancement over the Anka’s 1,700 kg weight capacity with a 350 kg payload. TUSAŞ has reported that the Aksungur is designed for a 50-hour endurance, although the longest recorded flight to date is 41 hours.
Chad is now the second-known export operator of the Aksungur, following Kyrgyzstan’s Border Guard Service. The latter displayed the UAV alongside a heavier Bayraktar Akıncı during a visit by the President of Kyrgyzstan to the new UAV base at Issyk-Kul International Airport on October 28, 2023.
The Aksungur is engineered for both day and night Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance (ISR) missions, as well as strike operations. It can be outfitted with electro-optical/infrared and synthetic aperture radar (SAR) payloads, along with a variety of air-to-ground weapons. The UAV’s three hardpoints support a 750 kg payload, compatible with an array of munitions including TEBER-81 and TEBER-82 laser-guided bombs, and L-UMTAS, MAM-L, Cirit, and MAM-C guided missiles. Chad’s Aksungur has been observed carrying eight MAM-L munitions and what seems to be a Hensoldt Argos II electro-optical gimbal.
Powered by two PD-170 twin-turbocharged diesel engines, the Aksungur can perform long-endurance operations at altitudes up to 12,000 metres. With an optional satellite communications payload, it can execute beyond line of sight operations. The UAV measures 12.5 metres in length, has a wingspan of 24.2 metres, and can endure up to 50 hours of flight time without weapons.
TAI also offers a maritime patrol variant of the Aksungur, equipped with a synthetic aperture radar, Automatic Identification System (AIS), sonobuoy pod, and magnetic anomaly detector (MAD) boom. Efforts are underway to integrate a lightweight torpedo onto the UAV.
Developed from the combat-tested Anka UAV, the Aksungur has been serving in the Turkish Navy since October 2021. Angola was the first African nation to place an order for the Aksungur, with TAI confirming the contract in March 2023. This followed an initial interest expressed by Angola in 2021, leading to a $93 million contract for UAVs through the Angolan public corporation Simportex.
Although Algeria was reported to be the first African export customer for the Aksungur, with claims of an acquisition of six aircraft, this has not been officially confirmed.
The acquisition of the Aksungur by Chad comes shortly after the delivery of three Hurkus-C trainer/light attack aircraft and two Anka UAVs from TAI, which were showcased by President Déby in July 2023. Alongside these aircraft, MAM-L and MAM-C munitions were also introduced into service. In January, Chad’s Air Force recognized three pilots and seven technicians who completed qualifications on Hurkus aircraft.
The ANKA-S and Aksungur share a common hull structure, offering significant benefits in maintenance, repair, training, and logistical support. To further enhance its operational capabilities, Chad sent 20 engineers for training at TUSAŞ.
In a related development, TAI disclosed the delivery of two Hurkus aircraft to Niger in May 2023, marking the first confirmed export order for the aircraft type.
The Aksungur UAVs will play a crucial role in Chad’s defense strategy, particularly in combating terrorism, mercenary activities, kidnappings for ransom, and various forms of banditry. This technological advancement signifies a leap forward in the nation’s commitment to maintaining security and stability within its borders and the region.