Aviation News – Türkiye’s unmanned fighter hits key test milestone alongside Air Force F-16s
Türkiye’s first unmanned fighter aircraft, Bayraktar KIZILELMA, has completed a major test by locking onto a Turkish Air Force F-16 and achieving a simulated direct hit, marking a significant leap in the nation’s combat aviation capabilities.
The test involved two F-16s flying alongside KIZILELMA as it employed the domestically developed AESA radar system MURAD to track the target aircraft. Using the national GÖKDOĞAN air-to-air missile in a simulated engagement, KIZILELMA successfully demonstrated its ability to carry out advanced air combat tasks.
Designed to operate autonomously in contested airspace, KIZILELMA integrates stealth features, high maneuverability, and indigenous avionics. The latest test validates its air-to-air engagement role, showcasing how unmanned platforms can cooperate with manned fighters while expanding the operational flexibility of the Turkish Air Force.
