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.