ISLAMABAD: Türkiye’s Baykar Technology has etched a landmark in aviationhistory with its Bayraktar KIZILELMA unmanned combat aerial vehiclesuccessfully executing the world’s first radar-guided air-to-airengagement. Conducted off the Sinop coast on November 30, 2025, the testsaw the jet-powered UCAV detect, track, and neutralize a high-speed jettarget using a domestically developed Gökdoğan beyond-visual-range missile.This breakthrough underscores Türkiye’s rapid ascent in indigenous defenseinnovation.
The engagement, guided by Aselsan’s advanced MURAD active electronicallyscanned array radar, marked the inaugural instance of an unmanned platformverifying air-to-air combat proficiency against a dynamic aerial threat.KIZILELMA, weighing 8.5 tonnes with a 1.5-tonne payload capacity,maintained a low radar signature throughout, approaching undetected beforelaunching from its external pylon. Baykar hailed the “pinpoint accuracy” asa testament to seamless integration of national radar, missile, anddata-link systems.
In a coordinated exercise, five F-16 fighters from Merzifon Air Base flewin formation with KIZILELMA, simulating joint manned-unmanned operationspivotal for network-centric warfare. Selçuk Bayraktar, Baykar’s chairman,observed from an F-16 cockpit, emphasizing the UCAV’s role in reshaping airdominance. The test not only validated beyond-visual-range tactics but alsointernal weapon bay configurations for stealthier missions, positioningKIZILELMA ahead of global rivals.
This achievement bolsters Türkiye’s defense export prowess, with Baykarleading the sector for four consecutive years, generating $1.8 billion in2024 revenues, 83 percent from abroad. Exported to 34 nations, Baykar’splatforms like TB2 have proven battle-tested, enhancing allies’capabilities. The KIZILELMA’s carrier-compatible design promises versatiledeployment from vessels like TCG Anadolu, heralding an era where unmannedsystems outpace traditional fighters in cost-effectiveness and riskmitigation.
For Pakistan, a longstanding Baykar client with Bayraktar TB2 and Akıncıfleets bolstering border surveillance, the KIZILELMA represents acompelling upgrade. Deepening defense ties, evidenced by joint ventures andtechnology transfers, signal strong acquisition potential. Experts predictprocurement talks could materialize by 2027, aligning with Pakistan AirForce modernization amid regional tensions. This could fortify Islamabad’sunmanned arsenal, deterring adversaries through affordable, high-fidelityair superiority.
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The milestone invites scrutiny on ethical dimensions of autonomouslethality, yet affirms unmanned aviation’s inexorable rise. As Baykaradvances KIZILELMA variants with twin engines for supersonic speeds, globalpowers must recalibrate strategies. For South Asia, it amplifies theTurkey-Pakistan axis, potentially tipping balances in aerial contests.
Source:https://defence-blog.com/turkish-fighter-like-drone-hits-jet-powered-target/