Ankara, September 29 - In a groundbreaking achievement for Turkey's burgeoning defense industry, the Bayraktar Kizilelma unmanned fighter jet has successfully completed its first armed flight test, marking a pivotal milestone in the evolution of stealth drones and unmanned combat aerial vehicles (UCAVs). Conducted on September 26, 2025, at the AKINCI Flight Training and Test Center in Çorlu, Tekirdağ, the test involved the third prototype (PT-3) of this indigenous Turkish fighter drone, which soared into the skies carrying Aselsan's advanced TOLUN precision-guided munition. This captive carry flight, where the weapon remained attached throughout the mission, demonstrated seamless integration of the TOLUN small-diameter bomb onto the Kizilelma's airframe via two SADAK-4T smart racks, each holding one unit. As Turkey continues to assert its position as a global leader in drone technology, this test not only validates the Kizilelma's weapons compatibility but also underscores the nation's rapid advancements in autonomous warfare systems, drawing international attention to Baykar's innovative engineering prowess.
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The Bayraktar Kizilelma, often hailed as Turkey's answer to fifth-generation stealth fighters, represents a quantum leap from conventional UAVs like the renowned Bayraktar TB2, which revolutionized modern battlefields in conflicts from Nagorno-Karabakh to Ukraine. Developed entirely with domestic funding by Baykar Technology since its inception in 2021, the Kizilelma boasts a maximum takeoff weight of 8,500 kilograms, including a 1,500-kilogram payload capacity, and achieves speeds approaching Mach 0.9 with its AI-322 afterburning turbofan engines. Its low radar cross-section, achieved through composite materials and angular design, ensures superior stealth capabilities, while an operational ceiling of 45,000 feet and endurance exceeding three hours with a 500-nautical-mile combat radius make it ideal for high-stakes missions. During the armed test, the drone executed flawless maneuvers, showcasing high agility and stability under load, which are critical for future integrations with air-to-air missiles like the Bozdogan and cruise munitions such as the Cakir. This success builds on a series of prior flights, including the maiden voyage in December 2022 and aerodynamic identification tests earlier in 2025, propelling the Kizilelma toward low-rate serial production and Turkish Armed Forces deployment slated for 2026.
Experts in military aviation are buzzing about the implications of this armed flight test for Turkish stealth drone dominance, as it paves the way for the Kizilelma to operate as a "loyal wingman" alongside manned fighters like the F-16 or the forthcoming TF KAAN. Baykar's Chief Technology Officer, Selçuk Bayraktar, described the event as "a new era in unmanned combat," emphasizing how the TOLUN's precision strike synergy with the drone's maneuverability could redefine air combat doctrines. Aselsan CEO Ahmet Furkan Türkoğlu echoed this sentiment, noting that the collaboration enhances Turkey's self-reliance in defense exports, a sector where Baykar already commands a significant market share. The test's flawless execution, monitored by integrated sensors and AESA radar systems, highlights the drone's network-centric warfare potential, enabling real-time data sharing with naval assets like the TCG Anadolu amphibious assault ship. From short-runway carrier takeoffs to autonomous swarm operations, the Kizilelma embodies Turkey's strategic pivot toward affordable, high-impact unmanned fighter jets, potentially disrupting global arms markets dominated by Western powers.
As the dust settles from this landmark armed flight test, the Bayraktar Kizilelma stands poised to elevate Turkey's role in the international arena of advanced military drones, fostering alliances and export deals across the Middle East, Africa, and beyond. With ongoing trials set to incorporate even more sophisticated armaments, the drone's path to operational readiness promises to accelerate Turkey's indigenous defense ecosystem, reducing dependency on foreign suppliers and bolstering national security. This achievement not only celebrates Baykar and Aselsan's engineering triumphs but also inspires a new generation of innovators in unmanned aerial vehicle development, ensuring that Turkish fighter drones like the Kizilelma will shape the skies of tomorrow's conflicts.