Baykar Starts Mass Production of Kızılelma Combat Drone, Deliveries to Begin in 2026

Baykar Technologies has officially entered serial production of its next-generation Bayraktar Kızılelma combat drone, marking a major milestone in Turkey’s growing defense and aerospace industry. The first batch is expected to be delivered to the Turkish Armed Forces by 2026, according to the company’s Chairman of the Board, Selçuk Bayraktar.

The announcement comes as the sixth prototype of the Kızılelma is currently being completed. This advanced unmanned combat aerial vehicle (UCAV) represents a significant leap in Turkey’s domestic aerospace capabilities. Speaking about the achievement, Bayraktar said, “Turkey, which previously could not even design its own aircraft, has now become a global leader in unmanned aerial technologies.”

He revealed that Baykar currently holds 65% of the global UCAV market, with 60% of that share belonging to the company alone, highlighting its strong international presence and export success.

The Kızılelma drone is unique in many ways. It is jet-powered, capable of carrier operations, and built with low radar visibility and high maneuverability, enabling it to conduct missions in contested airspaces. It is designed to work in coordination with manned fighter jets and other drones, enhancing networked warfare capabilities for future combat scenarios.

What makes the project even more significant is its fully domestic supply chain. Bayraktar confirmed that “all of its components are manufactured in Turkey,” underlining the country’s shift towards defense self-sufficiency. He also stated that Kızılelma is the first combat drone of its class to enter mass production, achieving this milestone ahead of countries like the United States and Israel.

The Kızılelma (which translates to "Red Apple") project is seen as a centerpiece of Turkey’s broader defense modernization strategy. First unveiled in 2022, it has undergone multiple successful flight tests and attracted attention for its potential to revolutionize air combat through autonomous and semi-autonomous operations.

With mass production now underway, and the first operational units set to join the Turkish Armed Forces by 2026, Turkey is positioning itself as a serious player in the future of aerial warfare—not just regionally, but globally.