Turkey's KIZILELMA makes aviation history with air-to-air hit

WISE NEWS PRESS / SINOP, Türkiye — Dec. 1, 2025

Turkey’s unmanned fighter jet Bayraktar KIZILELMA has made aviation history by successfully destroying a jet-powered air target using a visual-range air-to-air missile during a live-fire test in Sinop.

Developed indigenously by Baykar, KIZILELMA became the first unmanned platform in the world to prove its capability to engage air targets with Beyond Visual Range (BVR) missiles. This achievement is being hailed globally as the dawn of a "new era in aviation," demonstrating that unmanned systems can effectively conduct air-to-air combat missions.

Precision with indigenous technology

During the historic test, a high-speed jet-powered target drone was detected and tracked by the ASELSAN-produced MURAD AESA radar onboard the KIZILELMA. Once the target was locked, the unmanned fighter fired the GÖKDOĞAN Beyond Visual Range Air-to-Air Missile, developed by TÜBİTAK SAGE.

The missile struck the target with direct precision. This success highlighted the seamless integration of indigenous sensor fusion, flight control algorithms, and missile technology. KIZILELMA's low radar cross-section design further supports its "see without being seen, strike without being struck" operational concept.

Joint operation with F-16s

The test also showcased future air combat concepts. Five F-16 fighter jets taking off from the Merzifon 5th Main Jet Base performed a formation flight with KIZILELMA over Sinop.

This demonstration of Manned-Unmanned Teaming (MUM-T) certified the unmanned fighter's ability to operate in coordination with piloted aircraft, a critical capability for modern air forces.

Global media reaction

The milestone received significant coverage from international media outlets:

• TASS (Russia) noted that KIZILELMA became the first unmanned fighter to destroy a supersonic jet target.

• Maariv (Israel) reported the event with the headline "History written in Turkish skies," stating that Turkey executed an interception operation that many world armies can only dream of.

• Alquds (Arab World) assessed that this success has worried fighter jet manufacturers in the West, Russia, and China, moving Turkey's capabilities to a new strategic dimension.

With Baykar having already signed export agreements with 37 countries, KIZILELMA is expected to expand the company's international footprint significantly.

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