ISLAMABAD: A striking video released by Turkish defence firm Baykar hascaptured global attention, depicting the Bayraktar Kızılelma unmannedcombat aerial vehicle executing a powerful night takeoff with fullafterburners engaged. The footage, showcasing intense flames from theengine exhaust against the darkness, highlights the rapid progress inTurkey’s ambitious project to develop a supersonic, low-observablejet-powered drone capable of carrier operations and advanced air-to-aircombat.
The Bayraktar Kızılelma, named after a mythical “Red Apple” symbolisinglofty aspirations in Turkish lore, represents a significant leap inunmanned aviation technology. Equipped with an afterburning turbofan enginein its production prototypes, the platform is designed for stealthfeatures, high manoeuvrability, and integration with active electronicallyscanned array radar. Recent tests, including aerodynamic systemidentification flights, have demonstrated its potential to approachsupersonic speeds, positioning it as a future force multiplier for airforces seeking affordable fifth-generation-like capabilities withoutpiloted risks.
Pakistan has emerged as a frontrunner among potential international buyers,with defence analysts noting Islamabad’s keen interest in acquiring theKızılelma as its maiden export customer. This development aligns with thedeepening military ties between Pakistan and Turkey, evidenced byPakistan’s prior procurement of Bayraktar TB2 and Akinci drones, which haveproven effective in various operational contexts. Sources indicate thatnegotiations could accelerate as the drone nears serial production andoperational readiness in the coming years.
For Pakistan, incorporating the Kızılelma would enhance deterrence in avolatile regional security environment, particularly amid ongoingmodernisation efforts to counter advanced aerial threats. It wouldcomplement existing assets by providing stealthy strike options, airsuperiority support, and reduced vulnerability in contested airspace.However, challenges such as integration with current systems andgeopolitical sensitivities regarding technology transfers remain points ofconsideration.
The video’s release not only underscores Turkey’s growing prowess indefence exports but also signals a shift in global unmanned warfaredynamics, where cost-effective, autonomous platforms could reshapealliances and capabilities in South Asia and beyond.
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Source:www.dailysabah.com/business/defense/turkiye-made-fighter-jet-kizilelma-completes-test-with-afterburner”>https://www.dailysabah.com/business/defense/turkiye-made-fighter-jet-kizilelma-completes-test-with-afterburner
Source: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bayraktar_K%C4%B1z%C4%B1lelma