Turkish unmanned fighter Bayraktar KIZILELMA conducts joint flight with F-16, confirms integration of GÖKDOĞAN radar and missile
Turkey’s first unmanned fighter jet, the Bayraktar KIZILELMA, reached a new milestone in its development program by performing a joint flight with F-16s in a test conducted from Tekirdağ Çorlu.
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During the test, the drone successfully confirmed the integration of its national AESA MURAD radar as well as the GÖKDOĞAN air-to-air missile, produced by TÜBİTAK SAGE.
The test includes formation flying, detection, target lock and virtual shooting
During the test titled “Bayraktar KIZILELMA – GÖKDOĞAN with attached ammunition and Murad AESA radar performance”, the KIZILELMA participated in a simulated mission with two F-16s: one playing the role of close support and the other serving as a target aircraft. From the AKINCI Training and Test Center in Tekirdağ Çorlu, the drone completed a 1 hour 45 minute mission at an average altitude of 15,000 feet.
Using the AESA MURAD radar developed by ASELSAN, the KIZILELMA detected and locked on the target F-16 at a distance of 30 miles, demonstrating advanced detection and tracking capability. It then conducted simulated firings of the GÖKDOĞAN air-to-air missile in an electronic environment, virtually neutralizing a highly maneuverable target with millimeter precision.
A major milestone for beyond-visual-range operations
The test also confirmed the integrity of the communication between the device, the radar and the missile. After locking on the target, the KIZILELMA transmitted real-time position and speed data to the GÖKDOĞAN missile without any interruption. The validation of this data link represents a strategic advancement for BVR (Beyond Visual Range) operations, strengthening the platform’s capability in complex air combat scenarios.
Flight alongside F-16 and more than 55 hours of cumulative tests
The KIZILELMA flew in formation with two F-16s during the mission, demonstrating its compatibility and integration with manned aircraft — one of the essential criteria of modern air doctrines. With this test, the aircraft now exceeds the 55 flight hours accumulated during the test program.
Three validations in a single flight
The flight over Tekirdağ simultaneously validated three critical stages of the aircraft’s development: cooperation between piloted and unmanned platforms, aerodynamic and electronic compatibility of the GÖKDOĞAN missile under the wing, and certification of the capabilities of the AESA MURAD radar, including detection, tracking, locking and data transmission under demanding conditions.
With these advancements, the Bayraktar KIZILELMA strengthens its role as one of the most promising next-generation unmanned fighter projects, expanding Turkey’s aerial capabilities in modern combat.
Source and images: X @SavunmaSanayiST. This content was created with the help of AI and reviewed by the editorial team.
