Turkish Aerospace and TEI have signed a strategic engine supply agreement for Türkiye’s domestically developed ANKA and AKSUNGUR unmanned aerial vehicle programs.
The agreement, signed at the SAHA 2026 defense fair in Istanbul, covers the procurement of 100 TEI-PD170 turbodiesel aviation engines. The engines will be used on Turkish Aerospace’s ANKA medium-altitude long-endurance UAV and AKSUNGUR high-payload unmanned aerial vehicle.
The deal represents an important step for Türkiye’s UAV engine supply chain, strengthening the use of locally developed propulsion systems on national unmanned platforms.
According to Anadolu Agency, 40 TEI-PD170 engines had already been delivered for ANKA and AKSUNGUR under previous agreements. The AKSUNGUR platform integrated with the domestically developed TEI-PD170 engine entered inventory for the first time in December 2025, while deliveries of PD170-powered platforms are continuing according to schedule.
TEI-PD170: Türkiye’s National Turbodiesel UAV Engine
The TEI-PD170 is Türkiye’s first nationally developed turbodiesel aviation engine.
Developed by TEI for medium-altitude long-endurance UAVs, the engine produces 172 HP, has a 162 kg dry weight, and offers a 3,600-hour engine life. It is compatible with JP-8, Jet-A1, JP-5 and EN 590 fuels.
The engine features a two-stage serial turbocharger system, low fuel consumption, high power-to-weight ratio and a compact design. TEI’s official product data also states that the engine has a localization rate of more than 90 percent and includes TEI-developed engine control system software and hardware.
These capabilities make the PD170 strategically important for long-endurance UAV missions, where fuel efficiency, altitude performance and reliable domestic supply are critical.
Strategic Importance
The new 100-engine agreement strengthens Türkiye’s ability to sustain and expand its indigenous UAV fleet without relying on foreign engine suppliers.
For ANKA and AKSUNGUR, the TEI-PD170 provides a national propulsion solution that supports higher-altitude operation, efficient fuel consumption and long mission endurance. For Türkiye’s defense industry, the agreement also reflects a broader shift from platform development alone toward full ecosystem independence, including engines, avionics, payloads and mission systems.
With this contract, Turkish Aerospace and TEI are deepening cooperation in one of the most critical areas of unmanned aviation: domestic propulsion.
