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Turco-Ukrainian Alliance Powers Bayraktar KIZILELMA at SAHA 2024.
At the SAHA 2024 event held in Istanbul, Baykar presented the Bayraktar KIZILELMA, an autonomous combat drone representing a significant advancement in Turkey’s aerial capabilities. This drone, equipped with a Ukrainian-made engine, is designed to operate from short runways, including deployment from warships, positioning itself as a key player in the next generation of unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs). Featuring air-to-air combat capabilities and advanced artificial intelligence functions, it reflects the Turkish defense industry’s vision to expand its autonomous fleet with high-precision strike and air defense capabilities.
On September 25, 2024, the Bayraktar KIZILELMA completed the maiden flight of its third production prototype (Picture source: Army Recognition)
During the same event, Haluk Bayraktar, CEO of the Turkish aerospace company BAYKAR, presented a gold-embroidered model of the Bayraktar KIZILELMA combat drone to Andrii Sybiha, Ukraine’s Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs. This symbolic gesture took place during Sybiha’s visit to the defense exhibition in Istanbul, underscoring the close cooperation between Ukraine and Turkey in defense technology.
The Bayraktar KIZILELMA is designed to reach a maximum altitude of 45,000 feet, with an operational altitude of 25,000 feet. Its endurance exceeds four hours, making it suitable for beyond visual line of sight (BLOS) missions. It is powered by a Ukrainian AI-25TLT turbofan engine from Motor Sich, allowing it to achieve a cruising speed of 0.6 Mach and a maximum speed of 0.9 Mach, enhancing its ability to respond swiftly in operational theaters. In 2023, the company announced plans for a joint research and development center as well as a drone production facility in Ukraine.
With a maximum takeoff weight of 8,500 kg and a payload capacity of 1,500 kg, the KIZILELMA is equipped with a full suite of sensors and weapons systems. It features an electro-optical targeting system, a multi-mode AESA radar, and an infrared (IR) search and track system. In terms of armament, it can carry laser-guided munitions as well as long-range cruise missiles, available in subsonic, transonic, and supersonic versions. These technical characteristics make it a versatile platform capable of executing a range of missions, from reconnaissance to deep-strike operations against high-value targets.
The KIZILELMA also incorporates advanced autonomy and stealth capabilities. It features an intelligent swarm autonomy system and is equipped with redundant fusion sensors, enabling GPS-independent navigation and enhanced situational awareness. Its ability to conduct air-to-air combat missions demonstrates the integration of advanced artificial intelligence technologies, allowing it to operate autonomously while maintaining robust connectivity via SATCOM and redundant communication systems.
During the same event, Haluk Bayraktar, CEO of the Turkish aerospace company BAYKAR, presented a gold-embroidered model of the Bayraktar KIZILELMA combat drone to Andrii Sybiha, Ukraine’s Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs (Picture source: Bayraktar)
On September 25, 2024, the Bayraktar KIZILELMA successfully completed the maiden flight of its third production prototype. This flight, conducted from the AKINCI flight test and training center in Çorlu, marks a significant milestone in Turkey’s combat drone development program. Prior to the flight, the prototype underwent a series of ground tests, including engine power-up, autonomous taxi, and takeoff trials. Equipped with an afterburner engine, the prototype benefits from structural enhancements and an innovative avionics architecture, enabling it to approach supersonic speeds. This new model, designed to operate from short-deck ships such as the TCG Anadolu, provides Turkey with major strategic advantages in maritime defense while bolstering the nation’s unmanned combat aviation capabilities.
The KIZILELMA project, initiated by Baykar in 2021 using private funds, has progressed rapidly, with its first flight occurring one month after the rollout of the first production unit in November 2022. This program highlights Baykar’s commitment to innovation in unmanned combat systems and the growing importance of combat drones in Turkey’s defense and power projection, particularly in safeguarding the country’s maritime interests, known as the “Blue Homeland.”
The development of this aircraft marks an important step for Baykar, establishing it as one of the leaders in the military drone sector. The proliferation of combat drone systems like the KIZILELMA raises strategic questions regarding their future use, particularly in modern conflicts where information warfare and airspace dominance are key factors. Turkey’s ability to produce UAVs with such technological advancements not only underscores the nation’s ambitions on the international stage but also strengthens its role as an exporter of high-tech military equipment.