On November 30, 2025, Turkish drone manufacturer Baykar announced a significant milestone for its unmanned fighter jet, Bayraktar KIZILELMA. The jet successfully engaged and destroyed an aerial target during its first air-to-air test firing.
"The successful air-to-air engagement confirms KIZILELMA’s readiness to perform complex combat missions," Baykar stated.
Bayraktar KIZILELMA integrates advanced avionics, stealth technology, and AI-based systems that allow it to operate independently in contested airspace. This test firing validates the jet's performance envelope in real combat scenarios, emphasizing Turkey's growing prowess in autonomous military aviation technology.
The success not only enhances Turkey’s domestic defense capabilities but also positions the Bayraktar KIZILELMA as a potential export product for countries looking to modernize their air forces with unmanned systems.
This achievement underscores Turkey’s advancing capabilities in autonomous aerial combat, reflecting a leap in defense technology that blends AI and indigenous weaponry for modern warfare.