Bayraktar KIZILELMA, Turkey’s first unmanned combat aircraft—developed domestically and independently by Baykar—successfully completed its first firing test with TOLUN and TEBER-82 munitions as part of its test program, achieving a direct hit.
The Bayraktar KIZILELMA, developed entirely with Baykar’s own resources and set to serve as Turkey’s first unmanned combat aircraft, has added another flight test to its record, further demonstrating its combat capabilities. The testing process for the national unmanned combat aircraft is progressing successfully according to the planned schedule.
IT DESTROYED ITS TARGETS
As part of the tests conducted at the AKINCI Flight Training and Test Center in the Çorlu district of Tekirdağ, the Bayraktar KIZILELMA’s third prototype, PT-3, carried out two separate sorties. During the first flight, Bayraktar KIZILELMA fired the TOLUN munition developed by ASELSAN and hit the target with pinpoint accuracy. In its second flight, the domestically produced unmanned combat aircraft took off equipped with the TEBER-82 Winged Guidance Kit manufactured by ROKETSAN and successfully destroyed the target in this strike as well.
IT WILL CARRY OUT THE MOST CHALLENGING MISSIONS
Thanks to the experience gained from the first prototypes during the Bayraktar KIZILELMA’s development phase, significant changes were made to the production prototype. In addition to structural improvements, enhancements were made to the avionics architecture. A flight was conducted with an afterburner engine alternative, the integration of which was successfully completed. With its powerful new engine, the Bayraktar KIZILELMA will approach the speed of sound and, thanks to aerodynamic improvements, will be able to maneuver much more effectively at high speeds. Equipped with an AESA radar, it will possess high situational awareness, enabling it to carry out the most challenging missions.
TARGETED FOR ENTRY INTO SERVICE IN 2026
Baykar’s Bayraktar KIZILELMA project, launched with 0 in-house funding, began in 2021. The Bayraktar KIZILELMA, tail number TC-ÖZB, rolled off the production line on November 14, 2022, and was transported to the AKINCI Flight Training and Test Center in Çorlu. After successfully completing ground tests at a rapid pace, it made its first flight on December 14, 2022. The Bayraktar KIZILELMA took to the skies in a record time of just one year. While test activities are ongoing, the Bayraktar KIZILELMA has also entered the mass production phase, and it is targeted to enter service in 2026.
