Türkiye’s first unmanned fighter jet, Bayraktar Kızılelma, has made history as the world’s first UAV to successfully engage and destroy a jet-powered target using a beyond-visual-range air-to-air missile. The groundbreaking test was conducted over the Black Sea near Sinop, utilizing the domestically developed Gökgödan missile guided by Aselsan’s Murad AESA radar system.
The operation involved coordinated maneuvers with F-16 fighter jets and a Bayraktar Akıncı UAV, demonstrating advanced manned-unmanned teaming capabilities. Bayraktar Kızılelma features radar stealth, advanced sensor fusion, and multi-role functionality, reflecting Türkiye’s growing expertise in autonomous aerial combat.
This achievement highlights the country’s fully national defense ecosystem and underscores its ability to develop sophisticated, homegrown military technology. The successful test positions Türkiye at the forefront of unmanned combat aviation and showcases the strategic potential of integrating autonomous platforms into modern air forces.
