Türkiye Begins Serial Production of Kızılelma Combat Drone, Delivery Expected 2026

Türkiye has commenced serial production of the Bayraktar Kızılelma, the country's first domestically developed unmanned combat fighter jet, with deliveries to the Turkish Armed Forces expected by 2026. This jet-powered UCAV features low radar visibility, high maneuverability, and is designed for high-risk combat missions alongside manned aircraft, representing a significant advancement in Turkish aerospace technology. Baykar, holding 60% of the global unmanned aerial vehicle market, emphasized that all components of the Kızılelma are produced domestically, reflecting Türkiye’s strategic goal of defense industry independence. The program highlights cost efficiency, with around 20 units produced at the price of a single F-16 fighter jet, and incorporates advanced artificial intelligence and homegrown radar technology by ASELSAN. Bayraktar also noted Türkiye's leadership in UAV mass production and the future of aviation in robotic drone swarms and unmanned combat systems. The Kızılelma project marks a milestone by achieving serial UAV production before countries like the USA and Israel, underscoring Türkiye's rapid progress in unmanned aerial technologies.