Istanbul: Turkish Aerospace Industries (TAI) and Turkish Engine Industries (TEI) signed a strategic engine supply agreement for Trkiye's domestically developed unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) programs at the SAHA 2026 defense fair in Istanbul. The deal involves the procurement of 100 TEI-PD170 turbodiesel aviation engines for TAI's Anka medium-altitude, long-endurance UAV and the Aksungur high-payload-capacity UAV.

According to Anadolu Agency, the signing ceremony took place during SAHA 2026, a major industry event for the defense and aerospace sector. This agreement marks a new phase in cooperation between TAI and TEI, aligning with Trkiye's efforts to increase the localization rate of its national aviation platforms and strengthen domestic propulsion capabilities. Previously, 40 TEI-PD170 engines have been delivered for Anka and Aksungur UAVs.

The Aksungur, integrated with locally developed TEI-PD170 engines, entered inventory for the first time in December 2025. Deliveries of platforms equipped with the engine are continuing as scheduled. Developed by TEI, the TEI-PD170 is Trkiye's first national turbodiesel aviation engine, featuring a 3,600-hour engine life and offering advantages such as faster climb to mission altitude, higher-altitude operation, strong electrical power generation capacity, and efficient fuel consumption.

The engine is strategically important for reducing foreign dependence and ensuring a sustainable supply chain, as it can be produced with domestic resources and labor. The cooperation is expected to contribute to Trkiye's aviation engine capabilities, increase the localization rate of national platforms, and enhance the competitiveness of Turkish UAV systems in international markets.