Aviation News – Türkiye’s first-ever unmanned fighter aircraft, the Bayraktar KIZILELMA, has successfully fired a Roketsan-developed JET-230 supersonic missile for the first time. The landmark test, conducted off the coast of northern Turkey, represents a major leap forward in the nation’s defense capabilities by proving the drone’s ability to deploy high-speed, air-to-ground precision munitions.
The historic operation involved the serial production model of the unmanned fighter aircraft, bearing tail number S2, which departed the AKINCI Flight Training and Test Center in Çorlu, Tekirdağ, on July 8, 2026. After relocating to the 5th Main Jet Base Command in Merzifon for final preparations, the advanced aircraft took off carrying two supersonic JET-230 missiles under its wings. The platform successfully tracked its naval target and released the missile, scoring a precise hit from a distance exceeding 120 kilometers.
This latest achievement accelerates the integration of indigenous munitions into Turkey’s premier unmanned combat aerial vehicle (UCAV) program. Developed by Turkish defense firm Baykar, the KIZILELMA has rapidly expanded its arsenal, having already completed successful firing tests with the GÖKDOĞAN air-to-air missile, as well as the TOLUN, TEBER-82 KGK, and LGK-82 precision-guided munitions. This rapid developmental pace highlights the growing synergy between Turkish aerospace engineers and local missile manufacturers to build a self-sufficient defense ecosystem.
The successful strike underscores the high operational readiness of the Bayraktar KIZILELMA and its advanced fire control systems, which allow it to neutralize distant threats without putting human pilots in harm’s way. Operating at supersonic speeds, the JET-230 missile provides the UCAV with a rapid-reaction strike capability, significantly reducing the target’s reaction time. By combining stealth characteristics with long-range supersonic strike options, the unmanned jet introduces a highly survivable asset capable of penetrating heavily contested airspace.
“Yet another milestone has been completed. I wholeheartedly congratulate you, friends,” stated Selçuk Bayraktar, Baykar Chairman and CTO, who personally led the test from the command center and praised the engineering team’s dedication to pushing the boundaries of aviation technology.
Looking ahead, the integration of diverse ammunition types will solidify the drone’s role as a multi-role combat platform. This milestone follows other historical achievements for the program, including the world’s first autonomous close-formation flight by two unmanned fighters in late 2025, and a historic air-to-air target neutralization using the GÖKDOĞAN missile. These rapid advancements signal a future where autonomous wingmen will routinely lead complex aerial campaigns.
The successful test of the JET-230 missile marks a turning point for unmanned combat aviation, proving that autonomous systems can effectively deploy heavy, supersonic weapons. By consistently hitting milestones in both autonomy and firepower, Baykar is positioning Turkey as a global leader in next-generation warfare. As serial production ramps up, the KIZILELMA is poised to redefine modern air combat doctrine.
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