During the first sortie, the aircraft deployed the TOLUN munition developed by Aselsan and struck the target with full accuracy, according to Baykar. In the second flight, it fired the Roketsan-produced TEBER-82 Winged Guidance Kit and again hit the designated target successfully.
Baykar confirmed that structural and avionics improvements have been made based on experience from earlier prototypes. A flight was also completed using a newly integrated afterburning engine, allowing the drone to approach the speed of sound and enhance its manoeuvrability at high speeds.
Bayraktar Kizilelma is designed with AESA radar technology to support high situational awareness and is capable of performing complex missions. “The test process of the national unmanned fighter aircraft is progressing successfully in line with the planned schedule,” Baykar said.
Launched in 2021 using Baykar’s own resources, the project achieved its maiden flight in December 2022, just one year after development began. The company has stated, “Bayraktar Kizilelma took to the skies in a record time of about one year.”
Meanwhile, senior Italian defence officials visited Baykar’s facilities this week in a move seen as strengthening cooperation between the two NATO allies. The delegation, led by Italian Deputy Defence Minister Matteo Perego di Cremnago, included top commanders from Italy’s air force, army and navy, as well as executives from Leonardo, Italy’s state-controlled defence group.
The Italian team observed a flight demonstration in Corlu featuring Baykar’s unmanned platforms, including the Bayraktar TB3, Akinci, and Kizilelma. The visit continued at Baykar’s headquarters in Istanbul, where project managers provided briefings on ongoing developments and future plans.
Baykar noted that serial production of Kizilelma has now begun and the aircraft is expected to enter Türkiye’s defence inventory in 2026. The company stated it has funded all its projects independently, with 90% of its revenue in 2024 coming from exports, and has signed agreements with 36 countries.
