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Bayraktar Kizilelma Drone

Bayraktar Kizilelma Drone

Manufacturer: Baykar (Türkiye)
Category: Attack & Multirole Drones (UAVs)
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Maximum Speed Mach ~0.9 (~1,100 km/h)
Endurance ~4–5 hours
Operational Range ~500 nmi combat radius (~926 km)
Payload Capacity ~1,500 kg

Full Specifications

1. General Information

Name	Bayraktar KIZILELMA
Manufacturer	Baykar (Türkiye)
Country of Origin	Türkiye
Type / Role	Jet-powered Unmanned Combat Aircraft / Multirole UCAV
First Flight / Introduced	14 Dec 2022 (prototype), serial production 2025
Status	Low-rate production / Pre-operationa
Unit Cost	Not publicly disclosed

2. Performance

Maximum Speed	Mach ~0.9 (~1,100 km/h)
Cruise Speed	Mach ~0.6 (~740 km/h)
Operational Range	~500 nmi (~926 km)
Endurance	~4–5 hours
Service Ceiling	~45,000 ft
Rate of Climb	Not publicly disclosed

3. Dimensions

Length	~14.5 m
Wingspan	~10 m
Height	~3.5 m
Maximum Takeoff Weight (MTOW)	~8,500 kg

4. Payload & Armament

Payload Capacity	~1,500 kg
Hardpoints	Internal bays + external pylons (SADAK‑4T compatible)
Weapons	Air-to-air missiles (Gökdoğan), TOLUN bombs
Sensors	AESA radar (Aselsan), EO/IR targeting, secure datalinks
Avionics	Autonomous mission computer, navigation, BLOS capabilities

5. Propulsion

Engine Type	Single-engine turbofan
Engine Power	Not publicly disclosed; prototype used AI-322F engin

6. Communication & Control

Control Type	Autonomous / Remote via secure datalink
Data Link Range	Line-of-sight and beyond-line-of-sight (satellite)
Navigation	GPS/INS + mission-computer autonomy
Ground Control Station	Fixed or mobile / naval carrier-based

7. Operational Use

Primary Users	Turkish Armed Forces (Navy / Air Force)
Combat Proven	Yes – first live BVR air-to-air missile kill by UAV (Nov 2025)
Notable Operations	Test over Black Sea (Nov 2025)

Our Rating

The overall rating is based on review by our experts

Technology 8 / 10
Performance 8 / 10
Combat Effectiveness 8 / 10
Operational Flexibility 8 / 10

PROS

High maneuverability + near‑fighter‑class speed (cruise Mach 0.6, top ~Mach 0.9)
Multi‑role: air-to-air BVR, air-to-surface strikes, maritime and carrier operations
Low radar cross-section + internal/external weapon carriage for stealthy missions
Autonomous takeoff/landing — including short-runway carrier decks
Reduces risk to human pilots while enabling persistent, high-risk missions

CONS

Still in early serial production — limited real-world operational history
Payload (≈1.5 t) lower than heavy manned strike jets — less heavy‑ordnance capacity
Dependence on secure data‑links and remote control — vulnerable to electronic warfare jamming/spoofing
Export and integration for external users may face political and regulatory hurdles
As of 2025, range and endurance still modest compared to strategic UAVs — limited loiter time

Kizilelma Jet‑Powered UCAV

Baykar began initial public design disclosure in 2021; the first production‑prototype flight occurred 14 December 2022. The platform entered low-rate serial production in 2025, with full operational induction planned for 2026.

Kizilelma Jet‑Powered UCAV Price

The Bayraktar KIZILELMA marks a turning point in unmanned combat aviation. Developed by Baykar in Türkiye, Kizilelma blends stealth‑oriented design, jet performance, and autonomous operation — offering a fighter‑class UAV capable of air‑to‑air and air‑to‑surface roles. Built to operate from ships with short runways (e.g., amphibious carriers), it represents a leap for nations aiming to project airpower without risking pilots.

Major Capabilities & Role

Equipped with a turbofan engine and a stealth‑optimized airframe, Kizilelma achieves a cruise speed of approximately Mach 0.6, topping out near Mach 0.9. Its reported combat radius is some 500 nautical miles (≈ 926 km), with a service ceiling around 45,000 ft. The aircraft carries up to 1.5 tonnes of payload — including internal and external weapons — making it suitable for varied missions from precision strike to air‑to‑air engagements.

Kizilelma integrates advanced sensors: a multi-mode AESA radar (developed by Aselsan), an electro-optical/IR targeting suite, and secure long-range datalinks supporting both line-of-sight and beyond-line-of-sight operations.

In a landmark November 2025 test over the Black Sea near Sinop, Kizilelma fired an indigenous Gökdoğan missile and successfully destroyed a jet-powered target — marking the first time an unmanned fighter has completed a full radar‑guided beyond‑visual‑range (BVR) air‑to‑air kill.

Beyond air‑to‑air, Kizilelma has demonstrated integration with precision air‑to‑surface munitions, such as the locally produced TOLUN bomb carried externally, paving the way for deep‑strike and SEAD missions.

Designed for the complexities of modern warfare, Kizilelma is ideal for roles such as suppression of enemy air defenses (SEAD), deep‑penetration strikes, maritime strike operations from carriers, and loyal‑wingman support for manned fighters — minimizing risk to human pilots while delivering high-end capability.

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Technology:

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