Turkish unmanned fighter Bayraktar Kizilelma has moved into the weapons testing phase. It was spotted carrying two integrated guided mini-bombs Tolun mounted on external SADAK-4T pylons.
According to developer Baykar, these were successful flight tests with munition integration. In other words, as visible in the footage, there was no actual weapon release the tests were limited to carrying and flight trials with the munitions attached.
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The aircraft used was the third prototype; its engine was not officially confirmed, but it is believed to be fitted with the Ukrainian AI-322F engine, which is known to power the fourth prototype. The first two prototypes used AI-25TLT engines.
Note that the Tolun bombs were mounted on external pylons, even though the Kizilelma is presented as a low-observable stealth aircraft. The developers, however, say there will also be an internal weapon bay.
Thus, the program appears to have advanced to the stage of weapons integration. Of course, this particular test does not confirm the fighter's full combat capability it is a step in the development process.
In future tests we can expect other munitions to be trialed as well, including glide bombs, cruise and anti-ship missiles, and air-to-air means Roketsan Cirit missiles for counter‑UAS missions would be particularly interesting.
The Bayraktar Kizilelma is a fighter-class UAV intended to operate both autonomously and alongside Türkieys fifth-generation manned fighter KAAN. It will be equipped with an active electronically scanned array radar, modern electronics, and is expected to have endurance of 3–6 hours.
Serial production of the UAV has reportedly begun, with deliveries to the Turkish Armed Forces expected in 2026. The development has also drawn interest for GCAP, the sixth-generation fighter project, which is seeking a loyal wingman drone.
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