Turkish unmanned fighter Bayraktar KIZILELMA conducts co-flight with F-16 and confirms integration of radar and GÖKDOĞAN missile
Turkey’s first unmanned combat aircraft, Bayraktar KIZILELMA, reached a new milestone in its development program after completing a co-flight with F-16 aircraft during a test conducted from Tekirdağ Çorlu.
+ Click here to watch the video
During the test, the UAV successfully confirmed the integration of the national MURAD AESA radar and the GÖKDOĞAN air-to-air missile, manufactured by TÜBİTAK SAGE.
The test included formation, detection, target lock and virtual firing
In the test, called “Bayraktar KIZILELMA – GÖKDOĞAN with mounted ammunition and MURAD AESA radar performance”, KIZILELMA participated in a simulated mission together with two F-16s: one as a support element in close formation and one as a target aircraft. From the AKINCI Training and Test Center in Tekirdağ Çorlu, the UAV performed a 1 hour 45 minute long mission at an average altitude of 15,000 feet.
With the MURAD AESA radar, developed by ASELSAN, the KIZILELMA detected and locked onto the F-16 target at a distance of 30 nautical miles, demonstrating advanced detection and tracking capabilities. It then conducted simulated electronic firings of the GÖKDOĞAN missile, virtually neutralizing a highly maneuverable target with millimeter precision.
Milestone for beyond line of sight operations
The test also confirmed the integrity of the communications between the aircraft, the radar and the missile. After locking on the target, KIZILELMA transmitted real-time position and velocity data to the GÖKDOĞAN missile without interruption. The validation of this data link represents a strategic advance for Beyond Visual Range (BVR) operations, strengthening the platform’s capability in complex air-to-air scenarios.
Fly alongside the F-16 and pass 55 test hours
KIZILELMA flew in formation with two F-16s during the mission, demonstrating compatibility and cooperation with manned aircraft — one of the basic requirements of modern air combat doctrines. With this test, the aircraft also passed 55 accumulated test hours in the development program.
Three validations in one flight
The flight over Tekirdağ simultaneously confirmed three critical development steps: cooperation between manned and unmanned platforms, aerodynamic and electronic compatibility of the under-wing GÖKDOĞAN missile, and certification of the MURAD AESA radar’s capabilities, including detection, tracking, target lock and data transmission under demanding conditions.
With these advances, Bayraktar KIZILELMA strengthens its position as one of the most promising next-generation unmanned fighter aircraft projects, expanding Turkey’s capabilities in modern air combat.
Source and images: X @SavunmaSanayiST. This content was created with the help of KI and reviewed by the editors.
