Turkish Bayraktar KIZILELMA unmanned fighter jet performs joint flight with F-16 and strengthens integration of radar and GÖKDOĞAN missile
Turkey’s first unmanned fighter jet, the Bayraktar KIZILELMA, has reached another milestone in its development program after completing a joint flight with F-16 fighter jets during a test from Tekirdağ Çorlu Air Base.
+ Click here to watch the video
During the test, the drone successfully verified the integration of the domestically developed MURAD AESA radar and the GÖKDOĞAN air-to-air missile manufactured by TÜBİTAK SAGE.
The test included formation flight, target detection, target fixation and virtual launch
In the test called “Bayraktar KIZILELMA – GÖKDOĞAN with attached ammunition and MURAD AESA radar performance test”, KIZILELMA took part in a simulated mission together with two F-16s: one provided close flight support, the other played the role of target aircraft. From the AKINCI Flight Training and Test Center (Tekirdağ Çorlu), the drone completed a 1 hour 45 minute mission at an average altitude of 15,000 feet.
Using the ASELSAN-developed MURAD AESA radar, the KIZILELMA detected and recorded the target F-16 from a distance of 30 nautical miles, demonstrating its advanced detection and tracking capabilities. After that, GÖKDOĞAN performed simulated missile launches in an electronic environment, virtually neutralizing a highly maneuverable target with millimeter accuracy.
A milestone in beyond-line-of-sight operations
The test also confirmed the integrity of the communication link between the aircraft, the radar and the missile. After fixing the target, the KIZILELMA transmitted the position and speed data to the GÖKDOĞAN missile in real time, without interruption. The validation of the communication link represents a strategic advance for BVR (Beyond Visual Range) operations, strengthening the platform’s capabilities in complex air combat situations.
Flying alongside F-16s and achieving over 55 hours of test time
The KIZILELMA flew alongside two F-16s during the mission, demonstrating its compatibility and joint operational capability with manned aircraft — a fundamental requirement of modern air force doctrine. With this test, the machine exceeded the 55 accumulated test hours in the development program.
Three validations in one flight
The flight over Tekirdağ simultaneously confirmed three critical stages of development: the interoperability of manned and unmanned platforms, the aerodynamic and electronic compatibility of the GÖKDOĞAN underwing missile, and the certification of the MURAD AESA radar capabilities — including reconnaissance, tracking, target acquisition and data transmission under harsh conditions.
With these advancements, the Bayraktar KIZILELMA strengthens its role as one of the most promising next-generation unmanned fighter aircraft projects, expanding Turkey’s air combat capabilities in modern warfare.
Source and images: X @SavunmaSanayiST. This content was created with the help of artificial intelligence and then verified by the editors.
