Bayraktar Kızılelma

The Bayraktar Kızılelma is a single-engine, jet-powered unmanned multirole fighter developed by the Turkish defense company Baykar under Project MIUS (Combatant Unmanned Aircraft System). Conceptual studies began in 2013, and the first design images were released in July 2021. The aircraft conducted its maiden flight on December 14, 2022. Mass production commenced in October 2024, with five prototypes and two serial production aircraft built by early 2026. The first delivery to the Turkish Armed Forces is scheduled for the first quarter of 2026.

Design

The airframe features a low-radar cross-section (RCS) design with a canard-delta configuration and two vertical stabilizers. It is constructed for carrier-capable operations, specifically optimized for the TCG Anadolu amphibious assault ship without the requirement for a catapult system. The aircraft utilizes an artificial intelligence (AI) based mission computer for autonomous taxiing, takeoff, landing, and flight. Sensors include the Aselsan MURAD AESA radar, the KARAT infrared search and track (IRST) system, and the TOYGUN electro-optical targeting system (EOTS). Internal weapon compartments are used to maintain low observability.

Armament

The Kızılelma has a maximum takeoff weight of 8,500 kg and a payload capacity of 1,500 kg. Armament is carried across two internal stations and six external wing hardpoints. On November 30, 2025, the platform conducted a test firing of the Gökdoğan beyond-visual-range (BVR) air-to-air missile, utilizing autonomous guidance from its integrated AESA radar. Other compatible munitions include Bozdoğan, Akdoğan, and Gökhan air-to-air missiles; SOM cruise missiles; and the KUZGUN series of modular munitions. It is also cleared for various guided bombs, including the Teber, HGK, and KGK series, as well as MAM-C, MAM-L, and MAM-T micro-intelligent munitions.

Operational History

Operational testing has included autonomous formation flights. On December 17, 2025, two Kızılelma aircraft performed a close-formation flight using AI-driven autonomy. During its 12th test flight in June 2023, the aircraft reached an altitude of 9.5 km. The production prototype, designated TC-ÖZB3, first flew on September 25, 2024, featuring an afterburning engine and updated avionics architecture.

Variants

• Kızılelma-A: Subsonic version powered by a single Ivchenko-Progress AI-25TLT turbofan engine.
• Kızılelma-B: Supersonic version powered by a single Ivchenko-Progress AI-322F afterburning turbofan engine.
• Kızılelma-C: Supersonic version featuring a twin-engine configuration utilizing two AI-322F engines.