Bayraktar Kizilelma successfully completes another flight test
Bayraktar Kizilelma, Türkiye’s first-ever unmanned fighter jet, developed entirely with Baykar’s own resources, successfully completes the aerodynamic system identification test after taking off from Akinci Flight Training and Test Center in Tekirdag, Türkiye on March 06, 2025 (Baykar - Handout)
Türkiye’s first unmanned fighter jet, Bayraktar Kizilelma, has successfully completed the Aerodynamic System Identification Test, marking another milestone in its development timeline.
According to a statement from Baykar, the test phase for Bayraktar Kizilelma is progressing as scheduled.
The aircraft, developed entirely with Baykar’s internal resources, underwent the latest flight test at the Akinci Flight Training and Test Center in Corlu, Tekirdag. The production prototype, registered as TC-OZB3 with tail number PT3, successfully completed the aerodynamic system identification activities.
Advancements in design and capabilities
Based on lessons learned from initial prototypes, significant structural improvements and avionics upgrades have been implemented in the production model.
The integration of an afterburning engine alternative has also been completed, allowing Bayraktar Kizilelma to approach supersonic speeds. With enhanced aerodynamics, the aircraft is expected to deliver superior maneuverability at high speeds.
Additionally, its AESA radar provides enhanced situational awareness, enabling it to perform complex missions in challenging environments.
Rapid development timeline
Baykar launched the Bayraktar Kizilelma project in 2021 with 100% self-funding. The aircraft rolled off the production line on November 14, 2022, and was subsequently transported to the Akinci Flight Training and Test Center.
After successfully completing ground tests, Bayraktar Kizilelma conducted its maiden flight on December 14, 2022, achieving operational capability in just one year—a record timeframe.
During TEKNOFEST 2023, the aircraft made aviation history by performing formation flights with Bayraktar Akinci UCAV. On May 1, 2023, it conducted a fleet formation flight over Istanbul alongside an F-16 fighter jet from SOLOTURK and F-5 jets from the Turkish Stars aerobatic team, a significant milestone for future aerial combat concepts.
Baykar’s leadership in UAV exports
Since its inception, Baykar has relied entirely on its own resources for all projects. Since 2003, the company has generated 83% of its revenue from exports.
In 2023, Baykar recorded $1.8 billion in exports, ranking among Türkiye’s top 10 exporters across all industries. As the world’s leading exporter of unmanned aerial vehicles, Baykar maintained its strong global presence in 2024, with exports accounting for 90% of its revenue.
Baykar has signed UAV export agreements with 36 countries for the Bayraktar TB2 UCAV and with 11 countries for the Bayraktar Akinci UCAV.
According to data from the Defense Industry Agency and the Turkish Exporters Assembly, Baykar was the top defense and aerospace exporter in Türkiye in 2021, 2022, and 2023.
The company accounted for one-third of Türkiye’s defense and aerospace exports in 2023 and one-fourth in 2024, solidifying its position as a global leader in UAV production and sales.
