Turkey Unmanned Fighter Kızılelma Complete Two Flight Tests with Precision-Guided Munitions

On September 27, 2025, Türkiye's Bayraktar Kızılelma unmanned combat aerial vehicle (UCAV) completed two flight tests. These tests show Türkiye's development of autonomous air combat systems and have implications for defense planning.

Key Flight Test Highlights

1. First Armed Flight with TOLUN Precision-Guided Munitions
   The first test flight involved the Kızılelma's third prototype (PT-3) carrying two ASELSAN TOLUN small-diameter bombs on the SADAK-4T smart rack system. This was the first time the UCAV operated with live munitions. The TOLUN munitions use GPS/INS guidance and a foldable wing design to reduce radar visibility, compatible with the Kızılelma's design.

2. Afterburner-Assisted Takeoff with Retractable Landing Gear
   The second test flight showed the Kızılelma performing an afterburner-assisted takeoff while retracting its landing gear mid-ascent. This maneuver is part of testing its high-speed flight performance. The PT-3 prototype uses an afterburning engine for this capability.

Technical Specifications

• Maximum Take-Off Weight (MTOW): Approximately 8.5 tons

• Payload Capacity: Up to 1.5 tons

• Cruise Speed: Mach 0.6

• Maximum Speed: Mach 0.9

• Combat Radius: 500 nautical miles

• Operational Altitude: Up to 25,000 feet

• Endurance: Approximately 5 hours

These specifications allow the Kızılelma to carry out a variety of missions with required efficiency.

Development Timeline

• 2013: Conceptual studies for the Bayraktar MIUS (Unmanned Fighter Aircraft) project started.

• July 2021: Project design and characteristics disclosed publicly.

• November 2022: First prototype assembly completed.

• December 14, 2022: First flight of the Kızılelma UCAV.

• September 25, 2024: First flight of the PT-3 prototype with structural and aerodynamic updates.

• September 27, 2025: Completion of two flight tests, including armed operations and takeoff tests.

• 2026 – 2027: Final prototype testing and flight envelope validation for operational readiness.

• 2027 – 2028: Initial operational capability (IOC) expected, potentially including carrier-based deployment from TCG Anadolu.

• 2028 – 2030: Full production and deployment of operational Kızılelma UCAVs across the Turkish Air Force and Navy.

This timeline shows Türkiye's progress in developing indigenous defense technology.

Strategic and Geopolitical Implications

The integration of TOLUN munitions and demonstration of flight performance show the Kızılelma's role in Türkiye's defense capabilities. Its design allows for flexible military operations.

The Kızılelma also reflects the trend of using unmanned systems as alternatives to manned aircraft. This may influence defense planning and procurement decisions for other countries.

The Kızılelma may integrate additional munitions such as the Roketsan Cakir cruise missile and TÜBİTAK SAGE's Bozdoğan air-to-air missile. This will expand its operational capabilities for a range of missions.

Türkiye continues to develop unmanned combat aviation with the Kızılelma, aiming for more self-reliant military systems and operational autonomy.