Bayraktar KIZILELMA

Bayraktar KIZILELMA is Türkiye’s first indigenous combat unmanned aircraft system under development by Baykar Technology, featuring a turbofan engine, low radar cross-section, and the capability to conduct air-to-air combat. Developed entirely with domestic and national resources, Bayraktar KIZILELMA is regarded as one of the most critical projects in Türkiye’s defense industry.

The first flight of Bayraktar KIZILELMA was conducted on 14 December 2022. Three variants are planned: subsonic (below supersonic speed), transonic (at supersonic speed), and supersonic. Bayraktar KIZILELMA (MİUS) will be capable of operating from short runways and will be able to strike designated targets using internally carried munitions.

On 26 September 2024, the production prototype of Bayraktar KIZILELMA was completed and entered advanced testing phases. Development continues, with various operational evaluations planned for the future.

Bayraktar KIZILELMA (Baykar)

Development Process

The conceptual design phase of the Muharip İnsansız Uçak Sistemi (MİUS) project, initiated with Baykar’s own capital, was first announced on 20 July 2021.^【1】 On 12 March 2022, the first prototype of the Muharip İnsansız Uçak Sistemi (MİUS) entered the production development integration line and was officially introduced to the public under the name “KIZILELMA”.^【2】 Bayraktar KIZILELMA completed its first flight on 14 December 2022.^【3】

Initial Flight Tests

With the first prototypes, Bayraktar KIZILELMA completed system identification tests, low, medium and high altitude flights, high-speed flight trials, maneuverability tests, and series takeoff and landing evaluations. On 20 April 2023, during its eighth test flight, Bayraktar KIZILELMA successfully performed high-speed flight and maneuverability trials along with series takeoff and landing tests.^【4】 Bayraktar KIZILELMA completed its medium-altitude system identification test on 31 March 2023 and its high-altitude test flight on 16 June 2023.

2023 TEKNOFEST Istanbul Flights

During the 2023 TEKNOFEST period, Bayraktar KIZILELMA conducted various flights alongside manned and unmanned platforms. In this context, on 24 April, during a test flight in Çorlu, Bayraktar KIZILELMA performed its first close formation flight with a TİHA drone.^【5】 This flight marked the first time in global aviation history that two combat unmanned aircraft executed a close formation flight. Throughout TEKNOFEST 2023, Bayraktar KIZILELMA also performed close formation flights daily with Bayraktar AKINCI and SoloTürk.

On 1 May 2023, the final day of TEKNOFEST 2023, Bayraktar KIZILELMA, for the first time, flew in formation with the Turkish Stars aerobatic team, composed of F-16 SoloTürk and F-5 jet aircraft, in a fleet concept formation.^【6】

These flights were part of demonstrations showcasing coordinated operations between manned jet aircraft and unmanned aerial systems.

Bayraktar KIZILELMA during its first-ever fleet concept formation flight with the Turkish Stars, composed of F-16 SoloTürk and F-5 jet aircraft (Baykar)

Production Prototype

The first afterburner engine ignition test for the Bayraktar KIZILELMA PT-3 production prototype was conducted in July 2024, and its first flight test took place on 25 September 2024.^【7】 Based on data gathered from the initial prototypes, significant modifications were implemented on the production prototype. Structural reinforcements were added to the airframe, and the avionics systems were upgraded.

The integration of an afterburner engine option was successfully tested.^【8】 This engine configuration enabled Bayraktar KIZILELMA to approach supersonic speed (Mach 1) and, thanks to its improved aerodynamic design, perform agile maneuvers at high speeds.

The Active Electronically Scanned Array (AESA) radar integrated into the production aircraft enhances situational awareness through a wide detection range and high precision. This advanced radar system will enable Bayraktar KIZILELMA to achieve high effectiveness in both air-to-air and air-to-ground missions and support a variety of operational scenarios.

AB Takeoff Maneuver System Identification Test

On 15 March 2025, Bayraktar KIZILELMA successfully completed the AB Takeoff Maneuver System Identification Test as scheduled.^【9】 The production prototype, tail number TC-OZB3 (PT3), took off from the AKINCI Flight Training and Test Center in Çorlu, Tekirdağ, using afterburner and successfully completed all system identification tasks and sharp maneuvers during the test flight.

Based on lessons learned from the initial prototypes during the development phase, significant improvements were made to the production prototype. In addition to structural enhancements, the avionics architecture was upgraded. The flight test was successfully conducted with the fully integrated afterburner engine option.

First Weapons Release Test

Türkiye’s first indigenous combat unmanned aircraft, Bayraktar KIZILELMA, successfully completed its first weapons release test as part of its test program using TOLUN and TEBER-82 munitions. The tests were conducted on 8 October 2025 at the AKINCI Flight Training and Test Center in Çorlu, Tekirdağ.

The third prototype of Bayraktar KIZILELMA, designated PT-3, executed two separate sorties during the test. In the first sortie, the TOLUN munition developed by ASELSAN was fired and achieved a direct hit on the target. In the second sortie, the ROKETSAN-produced TEBER-82 Winged Guidance Kit was employed, and the target was successfully destroyed.

Integration of the TOYGUN Electro-Optical Targeting System (EOTS) (17 November 2025)

On 17 November 2025, as part of its test program, the Bayraktar KIZILELMA was for the first time integrated with the TOYGUN Electro-Optical Targeting System (EOTS), a low-observable system developed domestically by ASELSAN and previously used only on fifth-generation fighter aircraft. With this system, the Bayraktar KIZILELMA can now penetrate enemy territory undetected by radar while maintaining its low-observable characteristics, detect and laser-designate targets, and conduct strikes using national munitions. By applying the internal fuselage EOTS architecture—previously seen only on fifth-generation fighter aircraft—to an unmanned combat aircraft for the first time, Türkiye has joined the small group of nations possessing this capability.

TOYGUN features optimizations tailored to the unmanned combat concept. The system provides functions such as wide-spectrum scanning for 360° situational awareness, high-resolution infrared imaging, long-range strategic target detection, and tracking of moving ground and maritime targets. Its autonomous capabilities are further enhanced by artificial intelligence-supported target tracking and automatic target classification algorithms.

During two flight tests conducted at the AKINCI Flight Training and Test Center in Çorlu, the system’s performance in stable imaging at high altitudes and speeds, tracking of moving targets, and laser designation was verified. It was confirmed that TOYGUN operates seamlessly with the KIZILELMA’s mission computer, maintains data exchange performance under harsh environmental conditions, and meets all technical criteria for serial integration.

Integration of the TOYGUN Electro-Optical Targeting System Inside the Fuselage of the Bayraktar KIZILELMA Has Been Achieved (Baykar)

GÖKDOĞAN Munition Integration Flight and EOTS–MURAD AESA Radar Performance Test (18 November 2025)

As part of its ongoing test activities, the Bayraktar KIZILELMA conducted flights equipped with new-generation domestic defense industry payloads and munitions. The PT-5 prototype flew integrated with the GÖKDOĞAN beyond-visual-range air-to-air missile, the low-observable electro-optical targeting system TOYGUN, and the MURAD 100-A AESA radar.

During the flight with the fifth prototype bearing the tail number TC-ÖZB5, the Bayraktar KIZILELMA remained airborne for approximately one hour, executed various maneuvers, and successfully completed the test program. The integration of the GÖKDOĞAN missile—with a range exceeding 65 km, an active radar seeker head, and a high-explosive warhead—marks a significant step toward equipping the aircraft with air-to-air engagement capability. This flight test also represented a major milestone in validating the platform’s sensor-munition integration, demonstrating that ASELSAN’s TOYGUN electro-optical targeting system, with its internal fuselage architecture, enables long-range detection and AI-assisted tracking, while the MURAD 100-A AESA radar provides electronic scanning and multi-target tracking capabilities.

F-16 Wingman Flight, MURAD AESA Radar, and Firing Simulation Test (20 November 2025)

On 20 November 2025, during a test flight, the Bayraktar KIZILELMA executed an F-16 wingman flight, MURAD AESA radar operations, and a simulated GÖKDOĞAN missile launch. The test evaluated: coordination between manned and unmanned platforms during the F-16 wingman flight; aerodynamic and avionic compatibility of the GÖKDOĞAN munition carried under the wings; and the MURAD AESA radar’s target detection, tracking, lock-on, and data transmission functions—all within a single flight profile.

Two Turkish Air Force F-16 fighter aircraft participated in the test activities. One F-16 performed close wingman flight with the Bayraktar KIZILELMA, while the other assumed the role of the “target aircraft” as per the scenario. During the test, the Bayraktar KIZILELMA, using its ASELSAN-developed MURAD AESA radar, detected an F-16 target at a distance of 30 miles and locked onto it. Subsequently, a simulated launch was conducted in the electronic environment using the TÜBİTAK SAGE-developed GÖKDOĞAN beyond-visual-range air-to-air missile mounted under the wings. In the simulation, the target F-16 was rendered ineffective with a virtual direct hit.

Another key element of the test was the validation of the data transfer infrastructure between the aircraft, radar, and munition. After locking onto the target, the Bayraktar KIZILELMA continuously transmitted real-time target, position, and velocity data from the MURAD AESA radar to the GÖKDOĞAN munition. This confirmation demonstrates that the platform’s data chain for beyond-visual-range (BVR) engagements is fully operational.

The Bayraktar KIZILELMA conducted a flight lasting one hour and 45 minutes at an average altitude of 15,000 feet. The total flight time accumulated during the platform’s test program has now exceeded 55 hours.

For the First Time in the World, an Unmanned Combat Aircraft Destroyed a Target with an Air-to-Air Missile (29 November 2025)

On 29 November 2025, during a test conducted off the coast of Sinop, the Bayraktar KIZILELMA successfully engaged and destroyed a jet-powered target with a direct hit using the TÜBİTAK SAGE-developed GÖKDOĞAN beyond-visual-range air-to-air missile, guided by the ASELSAN-developed MURAD AESA radar. This engagement marks the first successful test in history in which an unmanned combat aircraft destroyed a jet-powered target with an air-to-air missile.

F-16 fighter aircraft launched from the 5th Main Jet Base in Merzifon performed wingman flight with the KIZILELMA, while a Bayraktar AKINCI aircraft provided surveillance support. During the missile launch, the Commander of the Turkish Air Force, General Ziya Cemal Kadıoğlu; the Commander of the Combat Air Forces, General Rafet Dalkıran; ASELSAN’s General Manager Ahmet Akyol; and Baykar Board Chairman Selçuk Bayraktar observed the test from inside F-16 cockpits. The Director of the TÜBİTAK SAGE Institute Kemal Topalömer and ROKETSAN’s General Manager Murat İkinci were part of the observation team monitoring the test.

The KIZILELMA has been integrated with critical mission systems such as the MURAD AESA radar and the TOYGUN Electro-Optical System. Following earlier successful TOLUN and TEBER-82 tests, its air-to-air mission capability has been confirmed through a GÖKDOĞAN missile launch. Baykar’s export data continues to strengthen its position in the global unmanned aerial vehicle market.

The historic missile test has revealed how future air combat concepts will evolve. Following the Bayraktar TB2, whose air-to-ground effectiveness has already been proven, this impact is now being extended to air-to-air missions through the Bayraktar KIZILELMA. Thanks to its low radar cross-section (RCS) and advanced sensors, KIZILELMA can detect enemy elements at much greater distances without being detected. This “see without being seen, strike without being hit” concept demonstrates that the platform is designed to achieve air superiority in aerial combat.

Autonomous Formation Flight Test with Intelligent Fleet Autonomy (2025)

The Bayraktar KIZILELMA unmanned combat aircraft has successfully completed a test flight targeting intelligent fleet autonomy capabilities. During the test announced on December 28, 2025, two different Bayraktar KIZILELMA prototypes simultaneously performed missions in the sky as part of activities conducted at the AKINCI Flight Training and Test Center in Çorlu.

In the test, the third prototype PT3 and the fifth prototype PT5 of the Bayraktar KIZILELMA took off consecutively. The two unmanned combat aircraft, guided by intelligent fleet autonomy algorithms developed by Baykar, executed synchronized maneuvers to perform formation flight (wing flight) with an autonomous combat pilot. Thus, for the first time in aviation history, two unmanned combat aircraft achieved autonomous close formation flight. This technological advancement transfers complex manned fighter aircraft missions to autonomous systems. This capability enables multiple unmanned platforms to coordinate and autonomously adjust their positions relative to each other under a single leader’s command to execute joint missions.

The flight test also evaluated one of the fundamental elements of modern air combat: the CAP (Combat Air Patrol) mission. The Bayraktar KIZILELMA prototypes performed patrol flights along a predefined route under the coordination of fleet autonomy software. This confirmed the feasibility of conducting air defense missions in fleet formation by the national unmanned combat aircraft. Future patrol and interception missions, traditionally carried out by manned fighters to secure specific airspace, will be autonomously executed by Bayraktar KIZILELMA fleets.

Technical Specifications

Basic Flight Performance Criteria

• Communication: Thanks to its SATCOM (satellite-based communication) system, KIZILELMA enables control and data transfer across a wide operational range. Additionally, it can operate in coordinated fashion with other air and ground assets through advanced data link systems, enhancing effectiveness in joint operations through real-time data sharing.

• Range: With a 500 nautical mile (~926 km) mission radius, the platform achieves broad airspace coverage and can be employed in diverse operational scenarios. This range provides operational flexibility for unmanned combat aircraft.

• Cruise Speed: KIZILELMA cruises at 0.6 Mach (~740 km/h), significantly faster than existing unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs).

• Maximum Speed: Capable of reaching speeds up to 0.9 Mach (~1110 km/h), KIZILELMA can integrate effectively with manned fighter aircraft in air-to-air combat and execute rapid evasive maneuvers against enemy threats.

• Endurance: 3+ hours of flight time offers a significant advantage compared to high-speed manned combat aircraft. This endurance provides an ideal capacity for long-duration patrol missions and wide-area surveillance operations.

• Engine Diversity: During the development of the Bayraktar KIZILELMA, multiple engine options have been evaluated. The initial prototypes of the KIZILELMA are planned to be powered by the AI-322TF and AI-25TLT turbofan engines, jointly produced by Ukraine-originated Ivchenko Progress and Motor Sich. Additionally, integration of the TF-10000 turbofan engine, designed by TEI, is also on the agenda for future variants. Beyond these two initiatives, it is known that Baykar has made significant investments toward developing its own turbofan engine.

• Variants: The Bayraktar KIZILELMA is expected to have three distinct variants: subsonic (below Mach 1), transonic (around Mach 1), and supersonic (above Mach 1). The initial versions of the KIZILELMA are anticipated to operate at subsonic and transonic speeds, while future variants capable of supersonic flight are planned to enter serial production in subsequent phases.

^{Bayraktar KIZILELMA Basic Flight Performance Criteria Table (}Baykar⁾

Payloads

The Bayraktar KIZILELMA is designed as Türkiye’s first unmanned combat aircraft, capable of carrying a variety of payloads tailored to different mission types. These payloads have been developed to enhance the operational flexibility and effectiveness of the Bayraktar KIZILELMA across diverse missions. The KIZILELMA has a total payload capacity of 1,500 kg. These payloads can be broadly categorized into three groups: targeting systems, passive surveillance and reconnaissance systems, AESA radar, electronic warfare and countermeasure systems, and armaments.

Payload: Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance (ISR)

• Electro-Optical and Infrared Cameras: The Bayraktar KIZILELMA is equipped with electro-optical (EO) and infrared (IR) cameras enabling it to conduct wide-area surveillance both day and night. These cameras play a critical role in intelligence gathering and target identification.
• Synthetic Aperture Radar (SAR): The Bayraktar KIZILELMA can be fitted with SAR systems capable of delivering high-resolution imagery of ground targets even under cloudy or adverse weather conditions.
• AESA Radar System: The integration of an Active Electronically Scanned Array (AESA) radar system provides the Bayraktar KIZILELMA with high situational awareness and precise target detection. The AESA radar can accurately detect and track enemy targets while maintaining a low radar signature, thereby enhancing operational security.

Payloads: Electronic Warfare and Countermeasure Systems

• Electronic Support Systems: The Bayraktar KIZILELMA can carry electronic warfare systems capable of detecting and jamming enemy radars. These systems are used to neutralize threats and ensure the aircraft’s own survivability.
• Countermeasure Systems: The Bayraktar KIZILELMA is equipped with countermeasure loads such as flares to counter infrared-guided missiles and chaff to defeat radar-guided missiles, providing it with self-protection capabilities.

Payload: Armaments

• Guided Munitions: The Bayraktar KIZILELMA has the capacity to carry precision-guided bombs and missiles.
• Air-to-Air Missiles: The Bayraktar KIZILELMA can be armed with air-to-air missiles to effectively engage aerial targets, enhancing its capability against enemy aircraft and unmanned aerial systems.
• Air-to-Ground Missiles: It can be equipped with various precision-guided air-to-ground munitions, such as those developed by Roketsan, enabling accurate strikes against ground targets.

Advanced Features

Air-to-Air Combat

The Bayraktar KIZILELMA’s cruise and maximum speed capabilities make it suitable for air-to-air combat. Thanks to its high speed and low radar cross-section, the KIZILELMA can gain a tactical advantage against enemy air assets. It is capable of performing missions such as interception of fast-moving enemy aircraft or providing urgent close air support. Unlike conventional unmanned aerial vehicles, the Bayraktar KIZILELMA can execute aggressive maneuvers akin to manned fighter jets and will be effective against aerial targets when armed with indigenous air-to-air munitions.

Short Takeoff and Landing Capability from Small Decks

The Bayraktar KIZILELMA has been designed to operate from short-deck vessels. This capability, developed to be compatible with platforms such as the TCG Anadolu—currently under construction and undergoing sea trials—will significantly expand the unmanned aircraft’s utility in overseas operations and broaden its mission flexibility.

Bayraktar KIZILELMA is Planned to Operate from Short-Deck Vessels (Baykar)

Swarm Technology

The Bayraktar KIZILELMA is an unmanned combat aircraft designed to enhance the flexibility and effectiveness of air power through artificial intelligence, swarm technology, and autonomous systems. These capabilities position it as a deterrent force within the aerial domain.

Integration of Manned and Unmanned Systems

One of the Bayraktar KIZILELMA’s most significant advanced features is its ability to operate alongside manned platforms, forming a hybrid combat concept. A key milestone in demonstrating the feasibility of this concept was achieved on 1 May 2023, during a coordinated flight involving F-16s, SOLOTÜRK, and the Turkish Stars aerobatic team.