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Turkiye has shown off new footage of its first live-fire strike using the country’s Bayraktar Kizilelma unmanned fighter jet.
The drone, developed domestically by defence company Baykar, has reportedly successfully completed its first live-fire test using Tolun and Teber-82 munitions at Akinci flight training and test centre in north-western Turkiye.
The milestone is considered to be a key part of the national unmanned fighter aircraft’s test progress.
“Bayraktar Kizilelma’s third prototype, PT-3, carried out two separate sorties. In the first flight, Bayraktar Kizilelma fired the Tolun munition developed by Aselsan and struck the target with full accuracy,” according to a public statement from Baykar.
“In its second flight, the national unmanned combat aircraft, which took off equipped with the Roketsan-produced Teber-82 winged guidance kit, successfully destroyed the target in that engagement as well.
“A flight was carried out with the afterburning engine alternative, whose integration was successfully completed. With its powerful new engine, Bayraktar Kizilelma will approach the speed of sound, and thanks to aerodynamic improvements, it will be able to manoeuvre much better at high speeds.
“With the high situational awareness it gains through its AESA radar, it will be able to carry out the most challenging missions.”
The company has previously announced significant progress in its development of the unmanned fighter jet, such as structural improvements and avionics enhancements.
The Kizilelma project, launched in 2021, previously celebrated its maiden flight in December 2022 and achieved formation flight in May 2023. The project is targeted to enter inventory in 2026.
