Two Turkish Kızılelma UCAVs Achieve First-Ever Autonomous Formation Flight

Turkey is making waves in the global aerospace sector, achieving a milestone in unmanned combat aviation. For the first time in history, two fighter-class UCAVs—Bayraktar Kızılelma—successfully carried out a fully autonomous close-formation flight.

This breakthrough demonstrates Turkey’s capability to integrate high-performance jet-powered drones into coordinated combat operations without human intervention.

The Kızılelma—meaning “Red Apple” stands apart from conventional drones due to its fighter-jet-like performance. Unlike subsonic, propeller-driven UCAVs, it is powered by a single turbofan engine, allowing near-supersonic speeds (Mach 0.9) in current variants.

Future B and C models are projected to exceed Mach 1.2 with afterburning engines like the AI-322F, offering enhanced speed, agility, and combat effectiveness.

During tests at the Akinci Flight Training and Test Center in Corlu, the two prototypes (PT3 and PT5) used advanced fleet autonomy algorithms and autonomous combat pilot systems. Taking off sequentially, the drones maintained precise formation while conducting a Combat Air Patrol (CAP) mission, validating the potential for fully autonomous air defense operations.

The flight also proved that Kızılelma fleets can autonomously maintain positions, respond to mission dynamics, and perform coordinated tasks—capabilities traditionally reserved for manned fighter jets. This marks the first time in aviation history that jet-powered unmanned combat aircraft have flown in formation without human intervention.

Carrier-Based and Stealth Capabilities

Designed for carrier-based operations, Kızılelma can take off and land from short runways aboard ships such as the Turkish Navy’s TCG Anadolu, eliminating the need for catapult systems.

Its stealth design, low radar cross-section, and internal weapons bay allow deep penetration into contested airspace, carrying payloads of 1.5–1.8 tons for both air-to-air and air-to-ground missions, including precision strikes and SEAD operations.

Combat Achievements and Strategic Potential

Earlier, on November 29, Kızılelma made aviation history by destroying a jet-powered aerial target using the domestically developed Gökdoğan missile, guided by the Aselsan Murad AESA radar, marking the first unmanned combat aircraft to achieve a beyond-visual-range air-to-air missile (BVRAAM) kill.

Baykar, the global UAV export leader, has signed agreements with 37 countries, showcasing the rising international significance of Turkey’s unmanned fighter technology.

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