Turkey’s next-generation unmanned fighter aircraft, Bayraktar KIZILELMA, has successfully passed another critical milestone in its development program. Conducted at the AKINCI Flight Training and Test Center in Tekirdağ’s Çorlu district, the latest flight involved the PT3 production prototype (tail number TC-OZB3), which took off using its afterburning engine and successfully completed all maneuvers within the scope of the AB-Based Maneuver System Identification Test. The aircraft performed high-G turns and precision maneuvers at elevated speeds, verifying the platform’s enhanced structural strength and aerodynamic efficiency.

According to Baykar, lessons learned from earlier prototypes were implemented into the production version, bringing significant upgrades to both the structural design and avionics architecture. The integration of the afterburning engine alternative was successfully completed, allowing KIZILELMA to approach supersonic speeds. With aerodynamic refinements, the aircraft now delivers improved performance and maneuverability at high velocities. Its AESA radar provides superior situational awareness, enabling KIZILELMA to execute complex missions, including air-to-air and air-to-ground operations, as well as joint missions with manned aircraft.

The Bayraktar KIZILELMA project, initiated in 2021 with Baykar’s own resources, saw the first prototype rolled out on November 14, 2022, and transferred to the Çorlu test center. After completing ground trials rapidly, it achieved its maiden flight on December 14, 2022, reaching the skies in record time—just one year after project inception. Throughout 2023, KIZILELMA marked several aviation firsts, performing formation flights with Bayraktar AKINCI and later flying alongside the SOLOTÜRK F-16 and Turkish Stars F-5 jets over Istanbul. These joint demonstrations are regarded as key indicators of the future of manned-unmanned teaming in aerial warfare.

Baykar, which has financed all its projects through self-generated revenue, remains one of the top global drone exporters. The company achieved $1.8 billion in exports in 2023 and maintained the same figure in 2024, with 90% of its income derived from foreign sales. Recognized as Turkey’s leading defense and aerospace exporter, Baykar continues to expand its global footprint, having signed export agreements for Bayraktar TB2 with 34 countries and AKINCI TİHA with 11 countries. With its ongoing successful test campaign, KIZILELMA is set to become a cornerstone of Turkey’s next-generation aerial combat capabilities, offering unmatched speed, agility, and situational dominance in the sky.