Turkey makes a breakthrough in unmanned technologies: the KIZILELMA fighter jet will join the aircraft carrier fleet by 2026

Bayraktar KIZILELMA

The Turkish developer Baykar, known for its successful UAVs such as Bayraktar TB2, presented a new stage in the development of the national aerospace program — the KIZILELMA unmanned fighter aircraft. As expected, this high-tech attack drone will join the aircraft carrier fleet of the Turkish Naval Forces by 2026, which will be an important step towards the country's strategic defense independence.

KIZILELMA (Kalemli İHA Stealth Test Aircraft) is a promising fifth—generation attack drone with elements of stealth technology. Its main characteristics:

- Take—off weight is about 4.5 tons  

- The maximum speed is over 900 km/h  

- Range — over 1,500 km  

- Vertical take-off and landing (VTOL) capability  

- Integration of air-to-air and air-to-surface guided missiles

Thanks to these parameters, KIZILELMA can perform the tasks of interception, reconnaissance and pinpoint strikes, competing with modern manned fighters.  

According to the plans of the Turkish Ministry of Defense, KIZILELMA will be based on the new Turkish aircraft carrier type TGC Anadolu, which has already been upgraded to work with unmanned systems. This will create a unique air group combining deck helicopters and attack drones, providing flexibility and autonomy of operations on the high seas.  

In addition, the integration of UAVs into the aircraft carrier structure opens up new opportunities for joint operations with allies, especially given the growing interest in automated combat platforms in NATO.

The launch of KIZILELMA into mass production and its adoption by 2026 symbolize Turkey's transition to a new level of technological sovereignty. The country demonstrates the ability to develop and produce sophisticated military equipment without dependence on Western suppliers.  

It also strengthens the export potential of the Turkish defense industry. Given the success of Bayraktar TB2 on the international market, KIZILELMA may become a sought-after solution among countries seeking to modernize their air forces without the involvement of traditional suppliers from the United States or the EU.

The KIZILELMA program highlights Turkey's ambitions not only in the region, but also on the global stage. The creation of its own unmanned fighter allows Ankara to strengthen its military presence in the Black Sea, the Aegean Basin and the Eastern Mediterranean.  

In addition, the development of the domestic aerospace sector reduces dependence on external factors, such as restrictions on the supply of American F-35 fighter jets, which previously included Turkey.

Turkey has successfully tested the underwater launch of the Atmaca anti-ship missile

On March 12, 2025, the Turkish Navy successfully completed firing tests of the Atmaca anti-ship missile launched from a submarine. This was announced by the head of the Department of Defense Industry (SSB) Haluk Gergun. The test took place off the coast of Mersin in the Mediterranean Sea from the submarine TCG Preveze.

The Atmaca missile was enclosed in a waterproof capsule equipped with a screw designed specifically for installation in a 533 mm torpedo tube of a submarine. 

Atmaca is a Turkish long—range all-weather anti-ship missile developed by Roketsan. It can be used from various platforms, including submarines, surface ships and coastal missile systems. The missile has the following characteristics:

- Effective firing range: more than 220 kilometers.

- Maximum speed: 1100 kilometers per hour.

- Type of warhead: high-explosive fragmentation with a mass of 250 kg.

- Rocket weight: about 750 kg.

- Length: up to 5200 mm.

The successful Atmaca test from a submarine underscores Turkey's growing military and technical strength and its ability to This also means that Turkey may use such missiles in the future to strengthen its naval defenses and build up its power in the region.