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SİHA KIZILELMA is Baykar’s jet-powered, low-observable unmanned fighter aircraft with an AESA radar. Designed to operate from TCG Anadolu, KIZILELMA recently made aviation history by shooting down a jet-powered target over the Black Sea with the GOKDOGAN air-to-air missile.
When we say “SİHA KIZILELMA” in this article, we are not talking about the historical–mythological “Kızıl Elma” ideal, but about Bayraktar KIZILELMA, the unmanned fighter aircraft developed by Baykar. KIZILELMA represents Turkey’s new generation SİHA (unmanned combat aircraft) concept with its jet engine, low-observable airframe, AESA radar and air-to-air missiles.
What is SİHA KIZILELMA?
Bayraktar KIZILELMA is a single-engine, stealthy, multi-role unmanned fighter aircraft designed to operate from short runways and even aircraft carriers. It is the first platform of Baykar’s MIUS (Muharip İnsansız Uçak Sistemi – Unmanned Combat Aircraft System) program. KIZILELMA carried out its maiden flight in December 2022 and moved into a serial production phase starting in 2024.
The initial variant, KIZILELMA-A, is planned to operate in the high-subsonic regime, while later variants such as KIZILELMA-B and the twin-engine KIZILELMA-C are expected to reach supersonic speeds.
Design and General Characteristics
SİHA KIZILELMA’s airframe is shaped with a focus on low radar cross-section (low RCS). The aircraft uses a delta-wing plus canard configuration, combining agility with reduced signature. Twin vertical tails prioritize maneuverability and control rather than pure stealth, striking a balance suitable for a front-line unmanned fighter.
Key known parameters can be summarized as:
- Maximum take-off weight: around 6,000 kg
- Payload capacity: around 1,500 kg
- Operational altitude: up to about 35,000 ft
- Internal weapon bays: for carrying munitions while maintaining low observability
- Short take-off capability: optimized for short runways and amphibious assault ships
KIZILELMA is specifically designed to operate from TCG Anadolu, enabling Turkey to project unmanned air power from the sea without the need for catapults.
Engine and Speed Profile
SİHA KIZILELMA is powered by a turbofan engine, making it a jet-powered unmanned combat aircraft. The first variant is built for subsonic speeds, while future versions are planned to push into the supersonic regime. The design aims to balance high dash speed with sufficient endurance for long missions.
Radar, Avionics and Mission Computer
One of the core elements of KIZILELMA is the MURAD AESA radar developed by ASELSAN and integrated into the aircraft’s nose. This active electronically scanned array radar is designed to provide high situational awareness, multi-target tracking and long-range engagement capability in both air-to-air and air-to-ground roles.
The platform is also expected to be equipped with:
- AI-assisted mission computer,
- Electro-optical targeting systems (EOTS),
- IRST (Infra-Red Search and Track) sensors,
- Distributed Aperture System (DAS) and missile warning systems.
Together, these features move SİHA KIZILELMA beyond the classic UAV segment and into the category of a true unmanned fighter aircraft.
Weapons and Mission Profiles
SİHA KIZILELMA is designed to carry a wide range of munitions both in its internal bays and on under-wing hardpoints. Its expected mission profiles include:
- Air-to-air missions
- GOKDOGAN beyond-visual-range air-to-air missile developed by TÜBİTAK-SAGE
- Future integration of the short-range air-to-air missile BOZDOĞAN
- Air-to-ground strike missions
- Guided bombs, stand-off cruise missiles and mini smart munitions
- Sea and land target engagement
- Electronic warfare, ISR and early-warning roles
GOKDOGAN, with its solid-fuel motor, 65+ km range and active radar seeker, is intended to replace imported BVR missiles on platforms such as the F-16, the national fighter KAAN and KIZILELMA itself. An extended-range (ER) version is planned to push the range beyond 180 km.
The GOKDOGAN Test: A Turning Point for SİHA KIZILELMA
In a test over the Black Sea, SİHA KIZILELMA detected a jet-powered target with the MURAD AESA radar and engaged it with the GOKDOGAN BVR air-to-air missile, scoring a direct hit. In this engagement:
- Target detection was carried out by a national AESA radar,
- Engagement logic was handled by the unmanned fighter’s mission computer,
- Target destruction was achieved with the indigenous GOKDOGAN missile.
In other words, the entire air-to-air kill chain was executed autonomously by an unmanned aircraft using domestically developed systems, making KIZILELMA a flying showcase for Turkey’s defense ecosystem, including Baykar, ASELSAN and TÜBİTAK-SAGE.
TCG Anadolu and Manned–Unmanned Teaming
Thanks to its short take-off and landing design, SİHA KIZILELMA can operate from TCG Anadolu and similar platforms, forming the backbone of a future unmanned carrier air wing. In addition, concepts being discussed include:
- Mixed formations of F-16 and, in the future, KAAN together with KIZILELMA,
- Manned fighters staying farther from high-threat zones while SİHA KIZILELMA takes the lead,
- Long-endurance air patrols being handed over to unmanned combat aircraft.
These ideas point to a shift in doctrine towards manned–unmanned teaming and eventually concepts of unmanned air superiority.
Future and Serial Production
From 2024 onwards, Baykar has been preparing a serial production line for SİHA KIZILELMA and has stated a goal of having more than ten KIZILELMA aircraft in the sky by 2026. Beyond the Turkish Air Force, the platform is expected to have export potential to friendly countries that seek advanced unmanned combat aircraft.
In short, SİHA KIZILELMA represents the “fighter phase” of Turkey’s unmanned air journey that began with TB2 and Akıncı. With its jet engine, AESA radar, GOKDOGAN air-to-air missiles and carrier compatibility, it is set to play a prominent role in both Turkey’s future air doctrine and the global defense market.