The Turkish-made MURAD 100-A radar, developed by ASELSAN, successfully carried out its first test flight aboard the unmanned fighter Bayraktar KIZILELMA, marking a strategic milestone in Turkey’s defense aviation industry.
Baykar announced that the unmanned fighter Bayraktar KIZILELMA has successfully completed its first flight test equipped with the Turkish AESA radar MURAD 100-A, developed by ASELSAN.
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The announcement was made by Selçuk Bayraktar, chairman of the company’s board, and officially confirmed by ASELSAN in a video released on its social media channels.
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According to ASELSAN, the MURAD 100-A — described as “AESA Atış Kontrol Radarı” (AESA Fire Control Radar) — completed its first onboard testing campaign on the KIZILELMA aircraft. The manufacturer stated in a release:
“Bayraktar KIZILELMA, MURAD 100-A ile çok daha güçlü” — “KIZILELMA is much stronger with the MURAD 100-A.”
The radar had already been integrated and tested on other Turkish platforms, such as the UCAV Bayraktar AKINCI and the F-16s from the ÖZGÜR modernization program. Its inclusion in the KIZILELMA demonstrates the adaptability and technological maturity of Turkey’s national sensor systems.
Capabilities of the MURAD 100-A AESA radar
The MURAD 100-A is a multifunction active electronically scanned array (AESA) radar, capable of operating simultaneously in air-to-air and air-to-ground modes. Its main functions include:
- Long-range search and multiple target tracking;
- Mid-course guidance and maneuvering aerial combat;
- SAR (Strip and Spot) modes for ground mapping and moving target detection;
- Maritime detection (ISAR) and precise air-to-ground range measurement;
- High resistance to electronic warfare, with integrated electronic support and attack capabilities.
These features place the MURAD 100-A radar on par with next-generation AESA systems used on aircraft such as the F-35 and Rafale, reinforcing Turkey’s pursuit of strategic autonomy.
Strategic importance for Turkish defense
The combination of KIZILELMA + MURAD is considered a milestone for Turkish military aviation, as it allows a UCAV to operate high-precision sensors and carry out air combat and ground attack missions with performance comparable to manned fighters.
Experts emphasize that the project strengthens the national defense industry and reduces dependence on foreign suppliers, paving the way for future applications in programs such as TF-X KAAN — Turkey’s fifth-generation fighter jet.
Next steps
Sources close to the program indicate that the next stages will include new test campaigns under real mission conditions, as well as performance validations and operational certification. The goal is to enable full integration of the MURAD radar across multiple air platforms, including the F-16s and advanced versions of the KIZILELMA.
The successful flight marks another step toward Turkey’s technological independence in producing critical sensors and mission systems for combat aircraft.
Video: Baykar / ASELSAN – Sources: SavunmaSanayiST.com, Anadolu Ajansı, DonanımHaber, EDR Magazine, Flight Global, Defence Industry Europe
