On 30/11, Turkish defense company Baykar announced its Kizilelma armed unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) fired a Gokdogan beyond-visual-range air-to-air missile in a live-fire test conducted last week.

A video released showed five Turkish Air Force F-16 fighter jets participating in the test. The Kizilelma aircraft took off alongside a formation of F-16s, with two F-16D jets carrying the CEOs of Baykar and Aselsan, an Ankara-based weapons company.

The Kizilelma aircraft carried two Gokdogan missiles under its wings, launching one from its right wing at a target simulation UAV. A camera on the target UAV showed the Gokdogan missile approaching at close range, sufficient to activate its proximity fuse.

"We have opened a new chapter in aviation history," stated General Ziya Cemal Kadioglu, Commander of the Turkish Air Force. He added that the Gokdogan missile was radar-guided and achieved absolute accuracy during the test.

This is considered the first time a UAV has launched an air-to-air missile and destroyed a flying target, as most UAVs globally are designed primarily for reconnaissance and ground attack missions. Kizilelma has surpassed Boeing Defense Australia's MQ-28A series, which is expected to test-fire an AIM-120 AMRAAM medium-range air-to-air missile in December.

Kizilelma is Turkey's first jet-powered UAV designed for both air-to-air and air-to-ground missions. It possesses stealth capabilities and high maneuverability, and is expected to undertake roles typically assigned to manned aircraft, while reducing operational costs and risks.

Kizilelma unmanned combat aerial vehicle during the 28/11 test. Photo: X/Defence Turk

The aircraft is equipped with a turbofan engine, has a maximum takeoff weight of 6 tons, and can carry up to 1,5 tons of weapons on external and internal hardpoints. It integrates an active electronically scanned array radar (AESA), an electro-optical target designator system, and a long-range data link.

The aircraft can utilize various Turkish-produced smart weapons, including the Gokdogan missile, which has a range of over 65 km.

Turkish officials stated that Kizilelma will play a pivotal role in the aircraft fleet operating from the flagship TCG Anadolu, alongside the Bayraktar TB-3 multi-role UAV. This aircraft model is also expected to be deployed on the MUGEM-class aircraft carrier currently under construction by Turkey.

By Pham Giang (Source: Aviationist, Naval News)