Turkey's Baykar Technology achieved a historic milestone in unmanned aviation when its Kizilelma stealth fighter drone conducted the world's first radar-guided air-to-air kill. During a test off the Sinop coast firing range, the drone detected, tracked, and destroyed a high-speed jet-powered aerial target using Aselsan's MURAD AESA radar and a wing-mounted Gokdogan beyond-visual-range missile. Flanked by five F-15 jets, Kizilelma demonstrated seamless integration of indigenous systems, marking a breakthrough in autonomous combat capabilities.
The Kizilelma, with its low radar cross-section and turbofan engine, operates at speeds up to Mach 0.9, a combat radius of 500 nautical miles, and altitudes exceeding 45,000 feet. Its MURAD AESA radar enables "sees without being seen, strikes without being shot at" tactics, allowing detection of enemy aircraft at long distances. The successful hit validates air-to-air and air-to-ground mission profiles, positioning the drone as a loyal wingman for manned fighters like Turkey's F-16s and upcoming TF Kaan.
Developed indigenously, Kizilelma boasts an 8.5-ton maximum takeoff weight, 1.5-ton payload capacity, and over three hours endurance. It supports laser-guided bombs, air-to-surface missiles, and cruise munitions, with internal bays preserving stealth. Unique carrier compatibility enables short-runway takeoffs and landings, expanding Turkey's maritime air operations.
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Baykar, a global drone export leader generating $1.8 billion annually (90% from exports), has dominated Turkey's defense aerospace sector for four years. Cumulative flight time now exceeds 55 hours, advancing from basic tests to full combat systems evaluation. Mass production is planned for 2024 onward.
This test elevates Turkey's air combat doctrine, blending manned and unmanned platforms for layered superiority in contested airspace.
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