Türkiye has reached a major milestone in its quest for next-generation air superiority with the successful afterburner-assisted test flight of the Bayraktar KIZILELMA PT-4, a jet-powered unmanned combat aerial vehicle (UCAV) developed entirely within Turkish borders.
In a major breakthrough for Türkiye’s defense and aerospace industry, the Bayraktar KIZILELMA PT-4 fighter UAV has successfully completed its Afterburner Take-off Aerodynamic System Identification Test. The test, conducted on May 15, 2025, marked a critical milestone in the development of the nation’s first jet-powered, carrier-capable unmanned combat aerial vehicle (UCAV).
The announcement was made by Selçuk Bayraktar, Chairman of the Board and Chief Technology Officer at Baykar, via social media. The test was carried out at the AKINCI Flight Training and Test Center in the Çorlu district of Tekirdağ, where the PT-4 prototype took off and demonstrated stable performance during the afterburner-assisted trial.
A Leap in Indigenous Airpower
Developed entirely within Turkish borders, the Bayraktar KIZILELMA represents the cutting edge of indigenous UAV and UCAV innovation. Leveraging Baykar’s deep experience in unmanned aviation systems, the PT-4 prototype showcases significant technological enhancements aimed at ensuring Türkiye's airpower remains competitive in a future dominated by unmanned platforms.
“With consideration of a future where air combat will be dominated by unmanned technology, our Bayraktar Kizilelma Fighter UAV, being developed fully within Turkish borders, will most certainly play an increasingly important role moving ahead,” Baykar officials stated.
Advanced Capabilities for the Modern Battlefield
The PT-4 variant of the KIZILELMA UCAV is engineered for both air-to-air and ground-attack missions, offering strategic versatility across combat scenarios. Designed with a low radar cross-section for stealth operations and equipped with an advanced Active Electronically Scanned Array (AESA) radar, the aircraft delivers superior situational awareness and survivability.
One of KIZILELMA’s standout features is its ability to operate from short-runway aircraft carriers, enabling rapid deployment and broad operational reach across various theaters. This carrier-capable design reflects Türkiye’s growing ambitions in naval aviation and power projection.
Initiated in 2021, the Bayraktar KIZILELMA program is a cornerstone of Türkiye’s national defense modernization effort. The successful afterburner test of the PT-4 variant demonstrates the rapid progress Baykar has made in transitioning from propeller-driven UAVs to high-performance jet-powered UCAVs.
This milestone not only reinforces Türkiye’s commitment to indigenous aerospace development but also positions the KIZILELMA as a key player in shaping the future of aerial warfare.
As global defense strategies evolve toward unmanned, networked, and autonomous systems, Türkiye’s Bayraktar KIZILELMA stands at the forefront—an embodiment of technological independence and forward-looking defense in innovation.
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Türkiye’s Defense Minister Yaşar Güler said cooperation between Türkiye and Azerbaijan is vital for regional peace and stability, highlighting their strong defense under the principle “Two states, one nation, one army.”
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