Kızılelma Conducted Its First Live-Fire with ASELSAN TOLUN

Turkey’s unmanned combat aircraft Kızılelma successfully completed its first armed test flight using the TOLUN munition produced by ASELSAN. For the national aerial vehicle developed by Baykar, this trial is regarded as a critical milestone in verifying munition integration and transitioning to a fully equipped combat platform.

Spanish Press: “A Historic Development”

Spain-based aviation platform Aviacion Online described Kızılelma’s test as “an important threshold in the transition to a fully equipped combat system.” The report stated, “The Turkish Bayraktar Kızılelma unmanned combat aerial vehicle, within the MIUS (National Unmanned Combat Aircraft System) programme, has successfully completed the first armed flight test — a decisive step in moving from a technology demonstrator to a fully fledged combat system.”

Kızılelma and TOLUN’s Technical Capabilities

The report also highlighted Kızılelma’s notable technical specifications:

• 5,500 kg take-off weight
• 1,500 kg payload capacity
• 5 hours endurance
• 800 km/h speed

It was also noted that the TOLUN munition used in the test weighs 139 kilograms, has a range exceeding 100 kilometres, and is notable for its high penetration capability.

Strategic Role and Contribution to the Defence Industry

According to Aviacion Online, Kızılelma is not merely an armed drone; it stands out as a multi-role combat platform thanks to its advanced manoeuvring capability, interoperability with manned combat aircraft, and indigenous AESA radar technology. With these features, it is said to make a strategic contribution to Turkey’s defence industry vision and aligns directly with the goals of an independent defence industry. The move was also described as having the potential to alter the balance of regional air superiority.