Turkish uncrewed fighter aircraft struck a maritime target from more than 120 kilometers away during a test conducted in Merzifon; manufacturer advances weapons integration on the production-standard S2 model
The Bayraktar Kizilelma has completed its first launch test with the JET-230, a supersonic air-to-surface missile developed by Roketsan. According to Turkish manufacturer Baykar, the uncrewed aircraft struck a target positioned at sea from a distance of more than 120 kilometers.
The evaluation was conducted in July 2026 from the 5th Main Jet Base in Merzifon, Turkey. The test represents a new stage in the Kizilelma program, a platform designed to combine the characteristics of a jet combat aircraft with uncrewed operating systems.
The aircraft used was the Kizilelma S2, described by the company as a model intended for serial production. The aircraft departed from the Akinci Flight Training and Test Center in Çorlu on July 8 before heading to Merzifon, where preparations were carried out.
On July 11, the Kizilelma took off carrying two JET-230 missiles mounted under its wings. During the mission, one of the weapons was launched against the maritime target. Baykar states that the strike was highly accurate, although detailed results from the test have not been released by an independent organization.
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JET-230 has a range of up to 200 kilometers
Developed by Roketsan, the JET-230 is an adaptation of the UAV-230 air-launched ballistic missile for jet-powered aircraft. The weapon family originated from the TRG-230, a tactical system originally designed for ground-based launches.
According to specifications released by the manufacturer, the JET-230 can reach targets located more than 200 kilometers away, depending on launch conditions and the mission profile. During the Kizilelma test, the missile was fired from a distance of just over 120 kilometers.
Because it is launched from a moving aircraft at altitude, the missile uses the platform’s initial speed to improve its performance. After separation, it follows a high-speed trajectory toward the target, reducing the time available for detection and response.
Integration expands the Kizilelma’s capabilities
The test shows that the program is no longer focused solely on developing the airframe and flight systems. The integration of sensors, communication links and different types of weapons is becoming an important part of the test campaign.
The Kizilelma was developed by Baykar as Turkey’s first uncrewed jet combat aircraft. The project calls for operations from conventional runways and, in the future, from ships with short flight decks, such as the TCG Anadolu.
Despite its appearance being associated with conventional fighter aircraft, the platform does not carry a pilot. Mission control and planning are handled by remote and automated systems, which could allow the aircraft to be used for reconnaissance, target tracking and long-range weapons launches.
The completion of the first launch with the JET-230 does not mean that the system is already fully operational. Before entering regular service, it will still have to undergo additional evaluations covering safety, reliability, electronic integration and performance under different flight conditions.
Source and images: Baykar — X @BaykarTech. This content was created with the assistance of AI and reviewed by the editorial team.
