The decision followed a visit by Turkish Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdoğan to Cairo last week when Turkey and Egypt signed a number of cooperation agreements, some covering the defense industry. The North African country is expected to acquire 10 Ankas from Turkey. The report said the Egyptian authorities have been in close contact with their Turkish counterparts for the past two-and-a-half months for the Anka purchases.
The decision comes at a time when the region has entered a new wave of tension, with Israel and Hamas exchanging sporadic fire that has killed civilians on both sides. Egypt and Turkey urged both sides to cease fire as soon as possible. In its transition from a Mubarak one-man era to a democratic regime Egypt has stepped up efforts to modernize its army as well.
Following a Heron UAV crisis with Israel, Turkish Aerospace Industries (TAI) stepped up its efforts to deliver the domestic UAV. The Turkish Armed Forces (TSK) expect the Anka to be in service next year.
With a 56-foot wingspan, the ability to fly at a speed of 75 knots per hour and reaching an altitude of 30,000 feet (9,144 meters), the drone is able to fly for 24 hours at a time.