Turkey advances development of first unmanned fighter jet

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Turkey advances development of first unmanned fighter jet

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Haluk Bayraktar CEO of Baykar Technologies | Wikipedia

By Sky Industry News

Feb 3, 2025

Baykar Technologies is advancing in the development of Turkey's first unmanned fighter jet, the Bayraktar KIZILELMA. This aircraft marks a significant step for Turkey's armed forces, which already operate one of the largest fleets of unmanned combat aerial vehicles (UCAV) globally.

The project is led by Baykar, a prominent Turkish technology company specializing in defense. The design aims to combine aerodynamic efficiency with stealth features while allowing for flexible weaponry and airframe durability. "The emerging unmanned military platforms, smart systems and munitions manufactured by Turkey have become popular in the international defence market," reports SETA.

The KIZILELMA was designed to operate both from land and ships. It resembles other fifth-generation stealth fighters like China's Chengdu J-20 due to its low-observable airframe. The aircraft's maiden flight occurred in December 2022, with further testing at Akinci Flight Training and Test Center in January 2025 indicating progress towards production readiness.

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Unmanned fighter jets like the KIZILELMA offer cost-effective solutions compared to manned jets, aligning with global trends toward expanding UCAV capabilities. As per baykartech.com, the second test flight on January 18th suggests advancement toward serial manufacturing.

The KIZILELMA is expected to enter service in 2025, potentially preceding Turkey's TAI TF KAAN stealth fighter into operational use. The design will support missions ranging from air superiority to close air support and intelligence gathering. Future developments may include advanced AI for autonomous decision-making.

In terms of technical specifications, the KIZILELMA boasts a maximum speed of 680 mph and can operate at altitudes up to 45,000 feet. Its avionics suite includes a national AESA radar among other systems for comprehensive threat detection and targeting capabilities.

Turkey’s pursuit of domestic weapons systems like the KIZILELMA reflects its strategic goals for self-reliance in defense technologies while maintaining unique equipment tailored for its armed forces. Despite challenges such as developing powerful engines akin to those used by Western manufacturers, Baykar continues refining the aircraft’s stealth attributes.

With ongoing development and testing phases showing promise, analysts are closely watching whether Turkey will indeed bring this UCAV into active service ahead of competitors.