Turkey's Bayraktar Kizilelma Drone Aces First BVR Missile Test
Turkey’s Bayraktar Kizilelma has successfully completed a landmark beyond-visual-range (BVR) air-to-air missile test, marking a significant advancement in unmanned combat aircraft capabilities. The live-fire trial, conducted November 29, 2025, over the Black Sea near Sinop, saw the jet-powered drone successfully intercept a high-speed target drone using an indigenously developed Gökdoğan missile—a first for any unmanned combat aircraft in this class.
The historic demonstration showcased the seamless integration of Turkey’s advanced defense systems. The Kizilelma’s onboard MURAD AESA radar, developed by defense contractor Aselsan, detected and tracked the target before providing targeting data to guide the weapon to a direct hit. Turkish Air Force leadership, including Air Force Commander General Ziya Cemal Kadıoğlu and Combat Air Force Commander General Rafet Dalkıran, observed the test firsthand from one of five accompanying F-16 fighters.
This capability expansion represents a fundamental shift in unmanned combat aircraft design philosophy. Previously, the Kizilelma demonstrated prowess in air-to-ground operations, successfully employing Tolun and Teber-82 guided munitions during earlier trials in 2025. The addition of beyond-visual-range air-to-air capability transforms the platform from a strike-focused system into a true air-combat asset capable of engaging fast-moving aerial threats without human pilots aboard.
The Kizilelma’s journey from first flight in December 2022 to this milestone reflects Baykar’s strategic approach to indigenous system integration. The aircraft’s low radar cross-section, combined with its AESA radar and new BVR missile capability, creates a potent platform that challenges conventional assumptions about unmanned systems’ combat roles.
Beyond Turkey’s achievements, the global aerospace landscape is witnessing accelerated movement toward autonomous combat systems. During Paris Airshow 2025, Baykar formalized a joint venture with Leonardo called LBA Systems, targeting European certification and production of unmanned aerial systems. This partnership signals potential export opportunities for Kizilelma variants throughout European air forces transitioning toward AI-enabled, collaborative combat architectures.
Europe’s own programs reflect this momentum. Helsing is developing the CA-1 Europa as a mass-produced autonomous jet, while Dassault Aviation and Airbus Defence and Space advance loyal-wingman concepts designed to operate alongside future Rafale and Eurofighter variants. These initiatives underscore industry consensus that future air forces will increasingly blend manned and unmanned platforms in coordinated operations.
Baykar’s commercial success underpins these capabilities. The company reports that exports represent the majority of its revenue, with UAV agreements signed across 37 countries—36 for the TB2 and 16 for the Akinci platforms. The Kizilelma’s emerging combat credentials position it as a valuable addition to Baykar’s export portfolio, particularly as international customers reassess their air defense and air superiority requirements in an evolving threat environment.
Source ID: SRCE-2025-1764590446417-1034