According to a report by South Korea’s official news agency Yonhap on September 27, the inquiry submitted by DAPA to TUSAŞ explores the feasibility of procuring the TEI-PD170 powerplant. However, neither side has disclosed which South Korean unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) program might integrate the engines, the quantity under consideration, or the potential financial scope of a deal.
A TUSAŞ official indicated that cooperation with South Korea could extend beyond mere engine procurement to encompass broader engineering and aerospace projects. Meanwhile, the Turkish Presidency of Defense Industries (SSB) has refrained from releasing detailed comments regarding discussions on specific engine models, emphasizing that no official statements regarding specific products or agreements will be made until necessary procedures and negotiations are finalized.
The PD170 Powers the ANKA and AKSUNGUR
As one of the most tangible and critical milestones of Turkey's domestic defense initiative, the TEI-PD170—developed by TUSAŞ Engine Industries Inc. (TEI)—stands out as a class-leading turbodiesel aviation engine. Designed primarily to meet the power requirements of Medium-Altitude Long-Endurance (MALE) class UAVs, the engine represents a strategic threshold propelling Turkey into the top global tier of engine design and manufacturing.
Delivering 172 hp, the TEI-PD170 outperforms its competitors in altitude capabilities and fuel efficiency. Equipped with a two-stage sequential turbocharger system and capable of operating on JP-8, JET-A1, JP-5, or EN 590 fuels, the engine features a dry weight of 162 kg.
The powerplant maintains its full 170 HP output up to a critical altitude of 20,000 ft and can reach a service ceiling of 45,000 ft. Generating a total electrical output of 9 kW (2×4.5 kW), it is managed by a Full Authority Digital Engine Control (FADEC) system featuring redundant architecture and software developed entirely indigenously by TEI.
The engine performed its maiden flight on December 27, 2018, aboard the ANKA platform, subsequently becoming the core propulsion system for Turkish Aerospace Industries' twin-engine heavy-class UAV, the AKSUNGUR. Configured with the PD170, the AKSUNGUR has achieved a flight endurance of 45 hours and reached an altitude of 42,000 feet. Demonstrating exceptional platform versatility, the TEI-PD170 has also executed flight missions with the Bayraktar TB3, proving its adaptability across diverse airframes.
In May 2026, TUSAŞ and TEI signed a supply agreement covering 100 units of the PD170 engine for the ANKA and AKSUNGUR programs.
Testing Context in South Korea's Drone Programs
South Korea's interest in the PD170 comes at a time when the country's domestic drone programs have encountered setbacks during operational testing.
During the 2026 Defense Drone Technologies Exhibition organized by the South Korean Ministry of Defense on September 16, a jet-powered UAV developed by Korea Aerospace Industries crashed shortly after takeoff.
Earlier, on August 25, a test conducted by the Republic of Korea Navy and the Agency for Defense Development from the ROKS Marado amphibious assault ship saw two kamikaze drones crash into the sea seconds after launch, aborting a planned strike test against an intended unmanned surface vessel.
The South Korean Navy announced that testing in maritime environments will continue. Yonhap noted that the inquiry into the PD170 coincides with a period where South Korea is critically evaluating its current UAV technological capabilities. Nevertheless, neither Seoul nor Ankara has issued an official statement confirming whether the engine request is a direct consequence of these incidents.
South Korea's Indigenous Engine Development
Despite its interest in the Turkish powerplant, South Korea continues to advance its own indigenous engine development programs for unmanned systems.
In July 2026, DAPA unveiled prototypes for two domestic UAV engines: a turbofan in the 5,500-lbf thrust class and a 1,400-horsepower turboprop.
The turbofan is envisioned for low-observable unmanned combat aerial vehicles designed to operate alongside the KF-21 fighter jet, while the turboprop is slated to power medium- and high-altitude reconnaissance UAVs. Both powerplants are currently undergoing ground tests.
Outcome of Discussions Remains Undecided
South Korea's interest in the PD170 does not constitute a formal sales or procurement contract at this stage.
The parties are expected to hold further discussions regarding the candidate platform, procurement volumes, technical specifications, and the potential scope of cooperation. It remains unclear whether these talks will culminate in a formal agreement or if any future partnership will be confined exclusively to engine supply.