Turkish KIZILELMA Fire Air-To-Air Missile at Jet-Powered Target
KIZILELMA became the first and only uncrewed platform in the world with verified air-to-air combat capability.
The Low-Visibility Electro-Optical Targeting System TOYGUN, developed by ASELSAN, was integrated into Turkey's first unmanned combat aircraft, Bayraktar KIZILELMA, and completed a flight. Photo by Anadolu Images.
T
ürkiye’s first uncrewed fighter jet, Bayraktar KIZILELMA, achieved a historic milestone by becoming the world’s first UAV to successfully fire a beyond-visual-range air-to-air missile at a jet-powered target aircraft, defense company Baykar announced Sunday.
The landmark test, carried out over the Black Sea off the coast of Sinop, marked a major step for Türkiye’s growing national defense capabilities.
In a statement, Baykar said KIZILELMA launched the domestically developed GOKDOGAN air-to-air missile, striking the high-speed aerial target with “pinpoint accuracy.”
National radar guides KIZILELMA strike
KIZILELMA detected and tracked the target using the MURAD AESA radar, an advanced sensor system developed by Turkish defense firm ASELSAN. Officials noted that the engagement represents the first time in Turkish aviation that a national aircraft fired a domestically produced air-to-air missile guided by a national radar system.
“With this successful test, KIZILELMA became the first and only uncrewed platform in the world with verified air-to-air combat capability,” Baykar said.
During the test, five F-16 fighter jets from Merzifon Air Base conducted formation flights with KIZILELMA in a coordinated crewed–uncrewed operation. The mission also featured the Bayraktar AKINCI UAV, which documented the test from the air.
The flight marked a significant demonstration of future air combat concepts involving the integration of uncrewed aircraft with manned fighter fleets.
Advanced systems strengthen Türkiye’s air power
KIZILELMA is equipped with a low radar cross-section design, advanced sensors, and an array of domestically produced munitions. Its integration with the MURAD AESA radar and TOYGUN targeting system enables long-range detection and precision engagement.
In earlier tests, KIZILELMA successfully deployed TOLUN and TEBER-82 munitions, showing high accuracy in air-to-ground missions. The recent air-to-air strike demonstrates its operational readiness for multiple mission profiles.
Baykar, which has self-funded all its UAV projects since 2003, continues to be a leading exporter in the Turkish defense industry.
The company recorded $1.8 billion in export revenue in both 2023 and 2024, with exports making up 90% of its total sales.
Baykar has signed export agreements for its Bayraktar TB2 UAV with 36 countries, while its high-altitude long-endurance AKINCI platform has been exported to 16 countries.
Official data shows Baykar has been the top defense and aerospace exporter in Türkiye for the last four consecutive years.
Milestone for Türkiye’s defense technology
The successful test is considered a major milestone in Türkiye’s efforts to advance its national uncrewed fighter capabilities and strengthen its role in next-generation air warfare.
Officials said the achievement will contribute to Türkiye’s long-term strategy of developing autonomous air combat platforms with both air-to-ground and air-to-air mission capabilities.
(Source: Anadolu Agency)
