Türkiye launches mass production of Kizilelma unmanned fighter jet
Photo: Bayraktar Kızılelma drone (twitter.com/BaykarTech)
Türkiye has launched serial production of the Kizilelma unmanned fighter jet, developed and manufactured by defense company Baykar, reports CNN Turk, citing Baykar Chairman of the Board Selçuk Bayraktar.
Bayraktar said the Kizilelma had entered serial production and expressed hope it would be commissioned next year. He noted that the company is moving forward, with the sixth Kizilelma prototype already on the production line.
According to Bayraktar, Türkiye now leads the world in mass drone production, holding 65% of the global UAV market. He also provided updates on Baykar's ongoing drone projects.
Speaking about the Kizilelma, Bayraktar emphasized that its unmanned design allows operators to take greater operational risks. He recalled that drones were once used mainly for reconnaissance, but have since evolved into combat platforms. These drones, he said, have neutralized more enemy vehicles and military equipment than any other system, crediting the Bayraktar TB2 for playing a key role in that success.
He also said that the future of aviation lies in intelligent, robotic drones capable of swarm flights, as well as in unmanned fighter jets.
Details on Bayraktar Kizilelma unmanned fighter jet
The Bayraktar Kizilelma unmanned supersonic aircraft was unveiled on August 30 at a technology festival in Samsun, Türkiye.
At the time, Anadolu reported that Ukrainian jet engines were used in the development of the new drone. The drone's name translates to “red apple.”
In November 2021, Baykar ordered AI-322F and AI-25TLT jet engines from Ukraine's state-owned Ivchenko-Progress for its National Unmanned Combat Aerial System project.
Bayraktar also said the new strike drones are capable of aggressive maneuvering. These combat aircraft are "smarter" than their predecessors, equipped with an advanced artificial intelligence system.
Additionally, Baykar stated that the production cost of the Bayraktar Kizilelma would not be high.
As for technical specifications, the drone requires only a short runway for takeoff. Specifically, it can launch from the deck of a light aircraft carrier.
According to project data, the Kizilelma has a top speed of 800 km/h, a payload capacity of at least 1,500 kg, and an operational altitude of 12 km.
