KIZILELMA, one of Türkiye’s strategic defence industry projects, has once again taken centre stage following the latest statements made by Baykar Technology Leader Selçuk Bayraktar. Bayraktar said that the unmanned fighter jet’s advanced automation, sophisticated software architecture and combat capabilities would fundamentally change the conventional understanding of aerial platforms.
“We Press a Button, It Takes Off; When We Say ‘Return’, It Lands on the Runway”
Bayraktar emphasised KIZILELMA’s fully automatic take-off and landing capabilities:
“We press a button, it takes off; when we say ‘return’, it lands on the runway.”
This feature enhances operational capability on challenging platforms such as short-runway ships, eliminates pilot risk and simplifies the system’s use in naval deployments.
More Than 100 Computers: A New-Generation Architecture
Sharing key details about KIZILELMA’s technological infrastructure, Bayraktar stated that the aircraft contains more than 100 computers, while the previous-generation Bayraktar TB2 had around 40.
This increase demonstrates that the aircraft has gained a far more sophisticated structure in areas such as:
- Advanced sensor management
- Autonomous flight software
- Complex combat missions
- High-precision manoeuvring capability
“It Can Even Be Used Against 5th-Generation Aircraft”
Bayraktar noted that KIZILELMA is not only intended for reconnaissance or strike missions, but can also take an active role directly in air-to-air combat:
“We can comfortably say that it will revolutionise air combat.
Perhaps you will use five aircraft instead of one, but on the other side there is a human; they will not want to take that risk.”
This approach points to the critical role unmanned fighter aircraft will play in modern doctrines under the manned–unmanned teaming concept.
Weapons Capacity: Able to Carry 3–4 Munitions
Addressing KIZILELMA’s operational flexibility, Bayraktar stated that the aircraft can carry 3–4 different munitions and, when the ammunition is depleted, it automatically exits the mission area and returns safely. This increases both combat efficiency and the platform’s sustainability.
Test Process: Progressing Successfully in 2025
Fully developed within Baykar, KIZILELMA has continued its testing process at full speed since its first flight in 2022. As of 2025:
- Positive results have been achieved in weapons tests,
- High effectiveness has been demonstrated in radar-guided munition trials.
