{"id":32916,"date":"2025-12-01T05:09:50","date_gmt":"2025-12-01T03:09:50","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.ir-ia.com\/news\/?p=32916"},"modified":"2025-12-01T05:16:26","modified_gmt":"2025-12-01T03:16:26","slug":"turkiyes-kizilelma-combat-drone-makes-first-ever-bvr-air-to-air-kill-by-any-unmanned-aircraft","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.ir-ia.com\/news\/turkiyes-kizilelma-combat-drone-makes-first-ever-bvr-air-to-air-kill-by-any-unmanned-aircraft\/","title":{"rendered":"Turkiye\u2019s Kizilelma combat drone makes first-ever BVR air-to-air kill by any unmanned aircraft"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<p><em>5 minute read<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Turkiye\u2019s unmanned fighter jet, Bayraktar Kizilelma, became the first UAV in the world to target a jet-powered aerial target, an F-16 fighter jet, with a beyond-visual-range (BVR) air-to-air missile, defense company Baykar Technologies announced.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The test took place off the coast of Sinop, located on the Black Sea. Kizilelma detected and tracked a high-speed target aircraft using Aselsan\u2019s Murad active electronically scanned array (AESA) radar.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Once the radar marked the target, the unmanned fighter launched a T\u00dcB\u0130TAK SAGE-developed Gokdogan BVR missile from its wing station, locking and virtually destroying the jet-powered target with full accuracy.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Baykar said the test was the first time in global aviation history that an unmanned fighter jet successfully used an air-to-air missile to destroy a jet-engine aerial target beyond visual range. It was also the first time in Turkish aviation history that an indigenous radar, an indigenous aircraft, and an indigenous missile were combined in a single air-to-air engagement.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>\u201cThis pride belongs to our nation,\u201d Baykar CEO Haluk Bayraktar said, calling the test \u201ca turning point\u201d for Turkiye\u2019s national aerospace ambitions. \u201cWith a national aircraft, national radar, and national missile, we completed every link in the air-to-air engagement chain using fully domestic capabilities.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<blockquote class=\"twitter-tweet\" data-media-max-width=\"800\"><p lang=\"tr\" dir=\"ltr\">Bayraktar <a href=\"https:\/\/twitter.com\/hashtag\/KIZILELMA?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw\">#KIZILELMA<\/a>, g\u00f6r\u00fc\u015f \u00f6tesi havadan havaya f\u00fczeyle hedefini vurarak d\u00fcnya havac\u0131l\u0131k tarihinde bir ilke daha imza att\u0131. \u2708\ufe0f\ud83d\ude80\ud83c\udf4e<br><br>T\u00fcrk Silahl\u0131 Kuvvetleri&#39;ne, Savunma Sanayii Ba\u015fkanl\u0131\u011f\u0131&#39;na, ASELSAN&#39;a, T\u00dcB\u0130TAK SAGE&#39;ye ve Baykar&#39;daki yol arkada\u015flar\u0131ma, bu milletin bir m\u00fchendis\u2026 <a href=\"https:\/\/t.co\/zD61ARFpDB\">pic.twitter.com\/zD61ARFpDB<\/a><\/p>&mdash; Sel\u00e7uk Bayraktar (@Selcuk) <a href=\"https:\/\/twitter.com\/Selcuk\/status\/1995023191152931280?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw\">November 30, 2025<\/a><\/blockquote> <script async src=\"https:\/\/platform.twitter.com\/widgets.js\" charset=\"utf-8\"><\/script>\n\n\n\n<p><br><br><strong>Formation Flights with F-16s<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The test also showcased the future of manned-unmanned teaming. Five F-16 fighter jets from the 5th Main Jet Base Command in Merzifon took off to join Kizilelma over Sinop.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The unmanned fighter conducted a joint formation flight with the F-16s, marking one of the first demonstrations of Turkiye\u2019s planned integrated air combat operations. A Bayraktar Akinci UAV accompanied the group and recorded the engagement from above.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Baykar said the engagement showed that Kizilelma had verified its air-to-air combat capability, building on earlier tests in which it successfully carried out precision air-to-ground strikes using Tolun and Teber-82 munitions.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Air Force Commander Gen. Ziya Cemal Kadioglu, Combat Air Forces Commander Gen. Rafet Dalkiran, Aselsan General Manager Ahmet Akyol, and Baykar Chairman Selcuk Bayraktar monitored the strike from the cockpits of F-16s participating in the formation.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><br><strong>\u201cSees Without Being Seen\u201d<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Baykar described the test as further validation of Kizilelma\u2019s low-observable design and advanced sensor suite. With a reduced radar cross-section and a combination of Murad Asea radar and the Toygun electro-optical targeting system, Kizilelam is designed to detect enemy aircraft long before it is detected itself.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>\u201cThe successful engagement demonstrates a wide-ranging engineering chain, from sensor fusion and radar to flight control and missile systems, working in harmony on a single national platform,\u201d said Haluk Gorgun, head of Turkiye\u2019s Defense Industries Secretariat. He called the test proof of the country\u2019s growing ability to field complex autonomous combat systems.<\/p>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"alignleft size-large is-resized\"><a href=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.ir-ia.com\/news\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/12\/Turkiye-combat-drone-Kizilelma.jpg?ssl=1\"><img data-recalc-dims=\"1\" loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1016\" height=\"678\" src=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.ir-ia.com\/news\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/12\/Turkiye-combat-drone-Kizilelma.jpg?resize=1016%2C678&#038;ssl=1\" alt=\"Kizlelma stealth drone\" class=\"wp-image-12840\" style=\"width:840px\" srcset=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.ir-ia.com\/news\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/12\/Turkiye-combat-drone-Kizilelma.jpg?resize=1024%2C683&amp;ssl=1 1024w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.ir-ia.com\/news\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/12\/Turkiye-combat-drone-Kizilelma.jpg?resize=300%2C200&amp;ssl=1 300w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.ir-ia.com\/news\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/12\/Turkiye-combat-drone-Kizilelma.jpg?resize=768%2C512&amp;ssl=1 768w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.ir-ia.com\/news\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/12\/Turkiye-combat-drone-Kizilelma.jpg?resize=589%2C392&amp;ssl=1 589w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.ir-ia.com\/news\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/12\/Turkiye-combat-drone-Kizilelma.jpg?w=1200&amp;ssl=1 1200w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1016px) 100vw, 1016px\" \/><\/a><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\"><em><sup>Turkiye&#8217;s stealth combat drone Kizlelma takes first flight. (Image Credit: Twitter\/@Selcuk)<\/sup><\/em><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n<p>Officials described the concept as \u201cseeing without being seen, striking without being hit,\u201d positioning Kizilelam as a platform intended to provide decisive air combat advantages in contested airspace.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><br><strong>Technological Features of Kizilelma<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Kizilelma is designed as a next-generation unmanned fighter jet capable of both air-to-ground and air-to-air missions. Its key known features include:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Low-observable airframe:<\/strong> The design reduces radar cross-section, enhancing survivability in contested environments.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Jet propulsion:<\/strong> Powered by a turbofan engine, the platform can reach high subsonic speeds, enabling rapid interception and maneuverability.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Internal and external weapon stations:<\/strong> Designed to carry a combination of air-to-air missiles, precision bombs, and standoff weapons.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Autonomous decision support:<\/strong> Advanced avionics and flight control systems allow the UAV to conduct complex missions, including tracking, targeting, and engagement, autonomously or in coordination with manned aircraft.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Modular payload architecture:<\/strong> Enables integration of indigenous sensors, communication suites, and electronic warfare systems.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Carrier compatibility:<\/strong> Kizilelma is expected to conduct takeoff and landing operations from the TCG Anadolu and from the Mugem-class aircraft carrier under construction.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>High endurance and payload capacity:<\/strong> Optimized for long-range missions, persistent patrols, and high-performance strike operations.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>Defense analysts say the platform represents a shift toward unmanned air superiority concepts that were previously considered decades away, positioning Turkiye among the few countries developing unmanned fighters with real combat capabilities.<\/p>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"alignleft size-large is-resized\"><a href=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.ir-ia.com\/news\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/07\/IDEF-2025-Kizilelma.jpg?ssl=1\"><img data-recalc-dims=\"1\" loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1016\" height=\"635\" src=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.ir-ia.com\/news\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/07\/IDEF-2025-Kizilelma.jpg?resize=1016%2C635&#038;ssl=1\" alt=\"Kizilelma fighter UAV\" class=\"wp-image-30484\" style=\"width:840px\" srcset=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.ir-ia.com\/news\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/07\/IDEF-2025-Kizilelma.jpg?resize=1024%2C640&amp;ssl=1 1024w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.ir-ia.com\/news\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/07\/IDEF-2025-Kizilelma.jpg?resize=300%2C188&amp;ssl=1 300w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.ir-ia.com\/news\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/07\/IDEF-2025-Kizilelma.jpg?resize=768%2C480&amp;ssl=1 768w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.ir-ia.com\/news\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/07\/IDEF-2025-Kizilelma.jpg?w=1400&amp;ssl=1 1400w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1016px) 100vw, 1016px\" \/><\/a><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\"><em><sup>Turkish defense firm Baykar Defense&#8217;s Kizilelma fighter unmanned aerial vehicle at IDEF 2025. (Image Credit: IRIA)<\/sup><\/em><br><br><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n<p><br><strong>Export Success and Strategic Implications<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Baykar said it has funded all its UAV projects using its own resources since 2003. The company generated $1.8 billion in exports in both 2023 and 2024, with 90% of revenue coming from foreign sales. It has signed export agreements with 37 countries, including 36 for the Bayraktar TB2 and 16 for the Bayraktar Akinci.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>According to data from Turkiye\u2019s Defense Industry Agency and the Turkish Exporters Assembly, Baykar has been the country\u2019s top defense and aerospace exporter for four consecutive years. The company accounted for one-third of all defense exports in 2023 and one-quarter in 2024.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Industry Minister Mehmet Fatih Kac\u0131r said the achievement marks a \u201cglobal first\u201d and proves that Turkiye\u2019s national technology capability \u201chas reached a level capable of rewriting the rules of air superiority.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Aselsan and Roketsan, which developed Kizilelma\u2019s radar systems, also described the milestone as a demonstration of Turkiye\u2019s ability to produce a fully integrated combat chain with indigenous technology.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Defense observers said the test carries strategic significance, signaling Turkiye\u2019s ambition to redefine air combat with autonomous systems and to position itself as a leader in unmanned fighter technologies.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The test marked the beginning of what officials described as a new era for Turkiye\u2019s airpower, solidifying Kizilelma\u2019s status as the first unmanned aircraft in the world to demonstrate verified air-to-air combat capability beyond visual range.<\/p>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"alignleft size-large is-resized\"><a href=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.ir-ia.com\/news\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/Kizilelma-Combat-Drone.jpg?ssl=1\"><img data-recalc-dims=\"1\" loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1016\" height=\"601\" src=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.ir-ia.com\/news\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/Kizilelma-Combat-Drone.jpg?resize=1016%2C601&#038;ssl=1\" alt=\"Turkiye\u2019s combat drone Bayraktar Kizilelma\" class=\"wp-image-32919\" style=\"width:840px\" srcset=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.ir-ia.com\/news\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/Kizilelma-Combat-Drone.jpg?resize=1024%2C606&amp;ssl=1 1024w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.ir-ia.com\/news\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/Kizilelma-Combat-Drone.jpg?resize=300%2C178&amp;ssl=1 300w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.ir-ia.com\/news\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/Kizilelma-Combat-Drone.jpg?resize=768%2C454&amp;ssl=1 768w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.ir-ia.com\/news\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/Kizilelma-Combat-Drone.jpg?w=1080&amp;ssl=1 1080w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1016px) 100vw, 1016px\" \/><\/a><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\"><em><sup>Turkiye\u2019s combat drone Bayraktar Kizilelma. (Image Credit: Kemal Topal\u00f6mer\/via X)<\/sup><\/em><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Turkiye\u2019s unmanned fighter jet, Bayraktar Kizilelma, became the first UAV in the world to target a jet-powered aerial target, an F-16 fighter jet, with a beyond-visual-range (BVR) air-to-air missile, defense company Baykar Technologies announced.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":32923,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"jetpack_post_was_ever_published":false,"_jetpack_newsletter_access":"","_jetpack_dont_email_post_to_subs":false,"_jetpack_newsletter_tier_id":0,"_jetpack_memberships_contains_paywalled_content":false,"_jetpack_memberships_contains_paid_content":false,"footnotes":"","jetpack_publicize_message":"","jetpack_publicize_feature_enabled":true,"jetpack_social_post_already_shared":true,"jetpack_social_options":{"image_generator_settings":{"template":"highway","default_image_id":0,"font":"","enabled":false},"version":2}},"categories":[62,44,1],"tags":[256,876,977,6,43,286,667,356,5,31,82,540],"class_list":["post-32916","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-europe","category-middle-east","category-news","tag-aircraft","tag-baykar","tag-bvr","tag-defense","tag-drone","tag-fighter-jet","tag-kizilelma","tag-middle-east","tag-military","tag-missile","tag-turkey","tag-turkiye"],"jetpack_publicize_connections":[],"jetpack_featured_media_url":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.ir-ia.com\/news\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/Kizilelma-aircraft-BVR-kill.jpg?fit=690%2C370&ssl=1","jetpack_shortlink":"https:\/\/wp.me\/p7jJWb-8yU","jetpack_sharing_enabled":true,"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.ir-ia.com\/news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/32916","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.ir-ia.com\/news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.ir-ia.com\/news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.ir-ia.com\/news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.ir-ia.com\/news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=32916"}],"version-history":[{"count":2,"href":"https:\/\/www.ir-ia.com\/news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/32916\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":32922,"href":"https:\/\/www.ir-ia.com\/news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/32916\/revisions\/32922"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.ir-ia.com\/news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/32923"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.ir-ia.com\/news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=32916"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.ir-ia.com\/news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=32916"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.ir-ia.com\/news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=32916"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}