The Turkish unmanned fighter Bayraktar KIZILELMA performs joint flight with F-16 and confirms integration of radar and GÖKDOĞAN missile
Turkey’s first unmanned combat aircraft, the Bayraktar KIZILELMA, has reached a new milestone in its development program after completing a joint flight with F-16 jets during a test conducted from Tekirdağ Çorlu.
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In 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 firing
During the test, titled “Bayraktar KIZILELMA – GÖKDOĞAN with Attached Munition and MURAD AESA Radar Performance,” KIZILELMA took part in a simulated mission with two F-16s: one acting as a close-support element and the other serving as the target aircraft. From the AKINCI Flight Training and Test Center in Tekirdağ Çorlu, the UAV completed a mission lasting 1 hour and 45 minutes at an average altitude of 15,000 feet.
Using the MURAD AESA radar developed by ASELSAN, KIZILELMA detected and locked onto the target F-16 at a distance of 30 miles, demonstrating advanced detection and tracking capability. It then executed simulated electronic firings of the GÖKDOĞAN air-to-air missile, virtually neutralizing a highly maneuverable target with millimeter precision.
Milestone for beyond-visual-range operations
The test also verified the integrity of communication between aircraft, radar and missile. After locking onto the target, KIZILELMA transmitted real-time position and speed data to the GÖKDOĞAN missile without any interruption. Validation of this data link represents a strategic advance for BVR (Beyond Visual Range) operations, strengthening the platform’s capability in complex air-to-air combat scenarios.
Flying alongside F-16s and surpassing 55 test hours
KIZILELMA flew in formation with two F-16s during the mission, demonstrating compatibility and joint operation with manned aircraft — one of the essential requirements of modern air combat doctrines. With this test, the aircraft also surpassed 55 accumulated test hours in the development program.
Three validations in a single flight
The flight over Tekirdağ simultaneously validated three critical stages of the aircraft’s development: cooperation between manned and unmanned platforms, aerodynamic and electronic compatibility of the underwing GÖKDOĞAN missile, and certification of the MURAD AESA radar’s capabilities, including detection, tracking, lock-on 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 combat capabilities in modern warfare.
Source and images: X @SavunmaSanayiST. This content was created with the help of AI and reviewed by the editorial team.
