Bayraktar Kızılelma Advances in Flight Testing, Strengthening Turkey’s Air Combat Capabilities

Baykar Technologies has announced significant progress in the flight testing of its cutting-edge unmanned fighter aircraft, the Bayraktar Kızılelma. The latest tests confirm that the aircraft is steadily moving toward operational readiness, reinforcing Turkey’s commitment to next-generation air combat technology.

The flight tests are being conducted at the Akinci Flight Training and Test Centre in northwestern Turkey, where Baykar’s engineering team is rigorously evaluating the aircraft’s performance. The testing phase is proceeding as planned, validating its reliability, maneuverability, and advanced autonomous flight capabilities.

One of the standout features of the Kızılelma is its low radar visibility, making it harder to detect during operations. It is also being developed with supersonic flight potential, enabling rapid response in combat scenarios. A key advantage of the aircraft is its ability to take off and land on short-runway aircraft carriers, significantly expanding its operational flexibility.

Baykar is focused on refining the aircraft’s aerodynamics, avionics, and artificial intelligence systems to ensure superior combat effectiveness. The ongoing tests are part of a broader strategy to enhance Turkey’s indigenous defense capabilities and reduce dependence on foreign technology.

The successful progression of Kızılelma’s flight tests signals a major step towards its eventual deployment. As Baykar continues to expand its unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) portfolio, the aircraft is set to play a crucial role in shaping the future of air warfare, both for Turkey and potential international operators.