(MENAFN) Türkiye's pioneering uncrewed combat aircraft, Bayraktar KIZILELMA, has secured a global aviation breakthrough by becoming the first unmanned aerial vehicle to successfully engage a jet-powered target with a beyond-visual-range air-to-air missile during testing off Sinop's coastline.

Turkish defense manufacturer Baykar announced Sunday that KIZILELMA deployed the domestically engineered GOKDOGAN air-to-air missile, destroying the high-velocity jet target with precision accuracy.

The weapon launched from the drone's wing mount after ASELSAN's MURAD AESA radar detected and locked onto the target.

This historic engagement represents the first instance in Turkish aviation where a nationally manufactured aircraft fired an indigenous air-to-air missile, directed by Turkish radar technology, against an airborne objective.

The successful operation established KIZILELMA as the sole verified uncrewed platform globally demonstrating genuine air-to-air combat proficiency.

Five F-16 fighters from Merzifon Air Base flew in formation with KIZILELMA during the test, showcasing integrated manned-unmanned operational concepts for future warfare.

A Bayraktar AKINCI UAV documented the mission through aerial footage.

KIZILELMA's minimal radar signature combined with sophisticated sensors allow detection of hostile aircraft at extended ranges while remaining undetected.

The platform incorporates advanced systems including MURAD AESA radar and TOYGUN targeting technology, capable of deploying diverse Turkish-made armaments.

Previous trials saw KIZILELMA score direct strikes using TOLUN and TEBER-82 munitions.

The recent air-to-air engagement confirms operational readiness for both ground-attack and aerial combat missions, substantially enhancing its significance within Türkiye's defense architecture.

Baykar, which has independently funded UAV development since 2003, has emerged as a dominant force in global drone exports.

The corporation generated $1.8 billion in export revenue during 2023, matching that performance in 2024, with exports comprising 90% of total earnings.

Baykar has secured export contracts for its Bayraktar TB2 UAV with 36 nations and Bayraktar AKINCI agreements with 16 countries.

Official records indicate the company has maintained its position as Türkiye's leading defense and aerospace exporter for four consecutive years.

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