Bayraktar Kizilelma

The Bayraktar Kizilelma is a Turkish stealthy, carrier-capable, jet-powered unmanned combat aerial vehicle (UCAV) developed by Baykar to provide advanced air-to-air and air-to-ground capabilities, including beyond-visual-range engagements with missiles like Gökdoğan, marking a first for unmanned systems. Launched in 2021 with Baykar's own resources, the program has completed extensive testing since its first flight in December 2022, including live firings and autonomous formation flights in 2025, with serial production underway and the first two units set for delivery to the Turkish Air Force in Q1 2026, alongside pilot training. From a defense-intelligence perspective, it significantly enhances Turkey's aerial combat power with AI-driven autonomy, manned-unmanned teaming, and naval integration on TCG Anadolu and future carriers, reducing risks to pilots and enabling operations against high-speed jet targets previously requiring manned fighters.