Bayraktar Kizilelma Achieves Historic Air-to-Air Kill with Gökdoğan Missile

Turkey’s unmanned fighter successfully destroys jet-powered aerial target using beyond-visual-range missile guided by AESA radar

In a landmark achievement for Turkish military aviation, the Bayraktar Kizilelma unmanned combat aerial vehicle (UCAV) successfully struck a jet-powered aerial target using a Tubitak Sage Gökdoğan air-to-air missile. The test, conducted off the coast of Sinop in northern Turkey on November 29, marks the first time an unmanned fighter has executed a beyond-visual-range kill against a jet-powered target.

Guided by the Aselsan Murad active electronically scanned array (AESA) radar, the missile demonstrated precision targeting capabilities. The orange-colored Gökdoğan missile, marked with test symbols, was visibly mounted on the Kizilelma during takeoff and confirmed to be the one fired during the test.

An official statement described the event as “a critical threshold cleared on the path to becoming a game-changer in Turkey’s defense.”

To commemorate the milestone, five F-16 fighter jets departed from the 5th Main Jet Base Command in Merzifon and joined the Kizilelma over Sinop for a formation flight, showcasing the potential of future manned-unmanned teaming.

The test was observed live from the air by high-ranking officials, including Turkish Air Force Commander General Ziya Cemal Kadıoğlu, Combat Air Forces Commander General Rafet Dalkıran, Aselsan General Manager Ahmet Akyol, and Baykar Chairman Selçuk Bayraktar — all of whom were onboard the F-16s during the mission.

This successful demonstration reinforces Turkey’s growing capabilities in autonomous air combat and positions the Kizilelma as a pivotal asset in next-generation aerial warfare.

Source: ©XAirForces News, 12 January 2026

Photo: Kizilelma UCAV air-to-air kill. Bayraktar Kizilelma UCAV successfully destroys a jet-powered aerial target using a Gökdoğan air-to-air missile guided by Aselsan’s AESA radar, marking a historic milestone in Turkish unmanned air combat capabilities. (Photo by ©AirForces Monthly 01-26)

Editor: Cihat Akyüz (©XAirForces News Editor from Türkiye)

Keywords: Kizilelma, UCAV, Gökdoğan, AESA radar, Baykar, Aselsan, Sinop, Turkish Air Force, air-to-air missile, unmanned fighter, Bayraktar Kizilelma air-to-air missile test, Gökdoğan BVR missile launch, Aselsan Murad AESA radar integration, Turkish unmanned fighter jet, Kizilelma formation flight with F-16s, Sinop aerial target test, Tubitak Sage missile guidance, manned-unmanned teaming concept, Turkish Air Force commanders onboard F-16, Baykar UCAV operational milestone

Bayraktar Kizilelma Achieves Historic Air-to-Air Kill with Gökdoğan Missile


(12.01.2026)