Turkey has achieved a major milestone in autonomous aerial combat after Baykar announced that two Kizilelma drones completed the world’s first fully autonomous close-formation flight of armed, jet-powered UAVs. The test, conducted on December 28, 2025, required no human control, relying entirely on onboard AI, sensors, and real-time data sharing between the aircraft.
The Kizilelma, first introduced in 2022, is designed for stealth and high-speed operations, capable of conducting missions alongside manned fighter jets. It can also perform ship-based takeoffs from platforms such as the TCG Anadolu, demonstrating its versatility for naval deployments.
Baykar emphasized that this achievement paves the way for advanced swarm tactics, coordinated maneuvers, and networked aerial warfare. The company has announced plans for serial production of the Kizilelma in 2026, marking a significant step toward integrating AI-powered autonomous combat UAVs into Turkey’s air force operations.
