Baykar has developed a new unmanned attack drone called Kizilelma, which stands out for its firepower comparable to the U.S. MQ-9 Reaper aircraft. This drone, equipped with a jet engine that allows it to reach speeds close to the speed of sound, has sparked international interest since its unveiling in 2021. Recently, the company announced via Twitter that the first operational unit of the Kizilelma is ready to begin testing.
A notable feature of the Kizilelma is the option to equip it with the AI-322F engine, designed and manufactured in Ukraine. Baykar has reiterated its commitment to Ukraine by rejecting the possibility of selling these drones to Russia. This new drone joins other current autonomous developments like the Boeing MQ-28 Ghost Bat and the Kratos XQ-58 Valkyrie, which also operate under human supervision.
Highlighting its ability to take off and land autonomously, even on short runways, Baykar emphasizes that the Kizilelma can operate from smaller aircraft carriers, such as the Juan Carlos I of the Spanish Navy. With a stealthy design and internal weapons bays, questions arise about its radar signal absorption technology.
The name "Kizilelma," which means 'red apple' in Turkish, symbolizes the ambition and power of the drone, reserved for great powers. Baykar anticipates that the Kizilelma will make its first flight in 2023 and is expected to significantly contribute to Ukraine's defense at a critical moment. Although the company is currently overwhelmed with orders for the Bayraktar TB2, the Kizilelma is expected to solidify Baykar's position in the combat drone market.
According to Baykar, the Kizilelma is capable of flying at a speed of 900 km/h, surpassing its American competitor MQ-20 Avenger. Although it cannot carry the same amount of armament as the Avenger, its technological sophistication is remarkable. While the price of the drone has not yet been revealed, it is expected to be more affordable than its American counterparts, reflecting Baykar's commitment to Ukraine beyond financial offers.
