ISLAMABAD: The Bayraktar Kızılelma, Türkiye’s pioneering jet-poweredunmanned combat aerial vehicle developed by Baykar Technologies, hasachieved a major milestone with the successful completion of initial systemidentification tests on its first serial production unit, designated S1.This test, involving controlled aerodynamic evaluations with landing gearsdeliberately kept down for safety and data accuracy, underscores theplatform’s readiness for advanced flight regimes and operational service.The achievement positions the Kızılelma as a transformative asset in modernaerial warfare, combining stealth features, high maneuverability, andautonomous capabilities.
Baykar’s Kızılelma program, entirely self-financed by the company, hasprogressed rapidly since its inception. The aircraft, often referred to asa “loyal wingman” drone, features low radar cross-section design forenhanced survivability in contested environments. Technical specificationsinclude a maximum takeoff weight of 8,500 kilograms, payload capacity of1,500 kilograms, cruise speed of 0.6 Mach, and maximum speed approaching0.9 Mach. Powered by a turbofan engine, it operates at altitudes up to25,000 feet with endurance exceeding three hours, enabling diverse missionsfrom air-to-air engagements to precision strikes.
Recent flight testing phases have demonstrated robust performance,including multiple aerodynamic system identification flights conducted fromthe AKINCI Flight Training and Test Center in Çorlu, Tekirdağ. These tests,some utilizing afterburner activation for high-performance maneuvers, havevalidated critical systems such as flight controls, stability, and avionicsintegration. Baykar has confirmed that serial production is underway, withthe sixth unit already on the assembly line, reflecting acceleratedmanufacturing to meet delivery timelines.
The Turkish Armed Forces are slated to receive initial serial productionKızılelma units in early 2026, with projections indicating at least twodeliveries in the first quarter. This timeline follows extensive prototypetesting in 2025, encompassing weapons integration, radar evaluations, andautonomous operations. Notably, the platform has achieved world-firstmilestones, including autonomous close-formation flying between prototypesand integration of embedded low-observable electro-optical targetingsystems akin to those on fifth-generation fighters.
Pakistan’s strategic partnership with Türkiye in defense technologies hasevolved significantly, building on prior acquisitions of Bayraktar TB2 andAkıncı drones. Discussions between Baykar and Pakistani authorities haveadvanced toward establishing a dedicated unmanned combat aerial vehicleassembly facility in Pakistan. This potential joint venture would focus onco-production of the Kızılelma, leveraging Turkish expertise in stealthairframes and avionics alongside Pakistan’s growing indigenous capabilitiesin autonomous systems and sensor integration.
Reports indicate that the Pakistan Air Force views the Kızılelma as a forcemultiplier, particularly for manned-unmanned teaming with its F-16 fleet.The drone’s ability to conduct beyond-visual-range engagements, absorbthreats in high-risk scenarios, and extend strike ranges beyond 300kilometers aligns with Pakistan’s requirements for enhanced air combatwithout endangering pilots. Technology transfer elements, including swarmalgorithms and low-observable design, are expected to bolster Pakistan’saerospace sector under initiatives like the National Aerospace Science andTechnology Park.
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The collaboration extends beyond assembly to potential localization ofcomponents, positioning Pakistan as a regional hub for next-generationdrone production. This aligns with broader Türkiye-Pakistan defensecooperation, which has included joint research and export-orientedmanufacturing. As serial production ramps up in Türkiye, joint effortscould accelerate induction of the stealth UCAV into the Pakistan Air Forceinventory post-2026, following full-scale output and operationalcertification.
The Kızılelma’s evolution reflects a shift toward affordable,high-performance unmanned fighters capable of penetrating defendedairspace. Its internal weapons bay preserves stealth characteristics, whilecompatibility with advanced munitions such as Gökdoğan beyond-visual-rangemissiles enhances lethality. Global interest in the platform underscoresTürkiye’s rising stature in defense exports, with Baykar’s track recordsupporting sustained innovation and international partnerships.
Source: https://baykartech.com/en/uav/bayraktar-kizilelma
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