Turkish Unmanned Combat Aircraft Bayraktar KIZILELMA Performs Joint Flight with F-16 and Confirms Integration of Radar and GÖKDOĞAN Missile
Turkey’s first unmanned fighter aircraft, Bayraktar KIZILELMA, has reached a new milestone in its development program by performing a joint flight with F-16 aircraft during a test launched from Tekirdağ Çorlu.
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During the test, the UAV successfully confirmed the integration of its national MURAD-AESA radar and the GÖKDOĞAN air-to-air missile produced by TÜBİTAK SAGE.
Test includes formation flight, detection, lock-on and virtual launch
During the test, “Bayraktar KIZILELMA – GÖKDOĞAN with mounted ammunition and MURAD-AESA radar performance”, the KIZILELMA took part in a simulated mission with two F-16s: one as a close formation support aircraft and one as a target aircraft. From the AKINCI Training and Test Center in Tekirdağ Çorlu, the UAV performed a 1 hour and 45 minute mission at an average altitude of 15,000 feet.
Using the MURAD-AESA radar developed by ASELSAN, the KIZILELMA detected and locked on the target F-16 at a distance of 30 miles, demonstrating its advanced detection and tracking capabilities. It then conducted simulated launches of the GÖKDOĞAN air-to-air missile in an electronic environment, virtually taking out a highly maneuverable target with millimeter precision.
Milestone for operations beyond visual range
The test also confirmed the integrity of communications between aircraft, radar and missile. After locking on the target, the KIZILELMA transmitted real-time position and velocity data to the GÖKDOĞAN missile without any interruption. The validation of this data link represents a strategic advancement for BVR (Beyond Visual Range) operations and strengthens the platform’s capabilities in complex air-to-air scenarios.
Flight alongside F-16 and more than 55 test hours
The KIZILELMA flew in formation with two F-16s during the mission, proving compatibility and joint operations with manned aircraft — an essential requirement for modern air power concepts. With this test, the device also exceeded the limit of 55 accumulated test hours in the development program.
Three validations in one flight
The flight over Tekirdağ simultaneously confirmed three crucial development steps: cooperation between manned and unmanned platforms, aerodynamic and electronic compatibility of the underwing-borne GÖKDOĞAN missile, and certification of the MURAD-AESA radar, including detection, tracking, locking and data transmission under demanding conditions.
With these advances, the Bayraktar KIZILELMA strengthens its role as one of the most promising next-generation unmanned combat aircraft projects and increases Turkey’s air combat capabilities in modern conflicts.
Source and images: X @SavunmaSanayiST. This content was created with the help of AI and reviewed by the editors.
