The Turkish unmanned fighter Bayraktar Kizilelma has made a breakthrough in military technology, successfully hitting a target for the first time with the JET-230 supersonic ballistic missile during live-fire exercises. This was reported by Defense Express.
During the tests, a serial drone with tail number S2 demonstrated its combat capabilities. The UAV carried two JET-230 missiles and successfully destroyed a stationary surface target at a distance of over 120 kilometers. For reference: the total range of this missile exceeds 200 km.
Secrets of the new JET-230 missile
Details of the new warhead remain shrouded in secrecy. The official website of the manufacturer Roketsan currently lacks information about the JET-230 missile. Experts suggest that this is a further development of the UAV-230 model, which the company positions as a supersonic ballistic air-to-surface missile with a range of about 150 km. The new modification, judging by the test results, has received a significant increase in performance characteristics.
From prototypes to serial production
Successful tests became a logical continuation of the project's development. In August 2025, Baykar Technologies officially announced the launch of serial production of Kizilelma. In Turkey, this aircraft is considered the first of its kind — an unmanned fighter. Local analysts note that in this segment, Turkey, in their opinion, has overtaken the US and Israel.
Weapon tests began as early as September of last year. Then, using its onboard radar, the drone locked onto a target in the form of an F-16 fighter and, within the framework of a simulation scenario, hit it with the Gökdoğan air-to-air missile. Later, Baykar reported that two prototypes flew in formation for the first time using an autonomous combat pilot.
Global ambitions and exports
The prospects of the project extend far beyond Turkey. Indonesia became the first export customer of Bayraktar Kızılelma, concluding a deal for 12 units with an option for four more. Deliveries are scheduled for 2028. The agreement also provides for the localization of production and the creation of a technical maintenance center in Indonesia.
Special attention is paid to the power plant. According to Defense Express, serial machines will be equipped with the AI-322F engine produced by the Ukrainian state enterprise "Ivchenko-Progress". This power unit replaced the less powerful AI-25TLT engine, which was installed on the first three prototypes.
Another important direction of development is cooperation with Italy. The Italian Navy is considering the possibility of purchasing Turkish TB3 drones to strengthen the air wing of the Cavour aircraft carrier. Deals will be conducted through the joint venture LBA Systems, established in 2025 by Baykar and Leonardo. The enterprise plans to localize the production of TB2, TB3, Akinci, and Kizilelma models in Italy for both domestic needs and subsequent export.
