The Turkish company Baykar has begun serial production of the combat unmanned fighter jet Kızılelma, which is expected to enter service with the Turkish Armed Forces in 2026. This was announced by Baykar’s Chairman of the Board, Selçuk Bayraktar, during a broadcast on CNN Türk. According to him, the sixth prototype of the new drone is currently on the production line.
Kızılelma is a next-generation unmanned fighter jet. Bayraktar emphasized that this type of technology allows conducting risky operations without endangering human lives.
“The Kızılelma fighter jet is unmanned, so you can easily take risks with them… Previously, UAVs were reconnaissance machines, but they have been transformed into combat machines. They have neutralized the greatest number of combat vehicles and military equipment. Bayraktar TB2 has achieved this,” said Selçuk Bayraktar.
He added that as of 2025, Turkey holds 65% of the global UAV market and is the first country in the world to mass-produce drones. Baykar also stresses that the future of aviation lies in robotic drone swarms and the development of unmanned combat systems.
Bayraktar Kızılelma is Turkey’s first multipurpose drone fighter, developed since 2021 and funded by Baykar from its own resources. The drone is equipped with a turbofan engine, including a modified Ukrainian AI-322F engine, enabling supersonic speeds and high maneuverability.
Kızılelma can take off from short decks, perform automatic landings, operate in complex combat conditions, and carry up to 1.5 tons of armament. An important feature is its low radar signature and AESA radar system, which enhances situational awareness during combat operations.
This drone is positioned as an autonomous combat platform with the capabilities of a light fighter, capable of performing a wide range of combat missions.
