Bayraktar KIZILELMA completes successful flight trials with major upgrades VIDEO

The Turkish defence firm Baykar has announced the successful completion of a new round of flight trials for its cutting-edge unmanned combat aircraft, the Bayraktar KIZILELMA PT-3.

According to a report by SavunmaSanayiST.com, shared via its official account on X, the third prototype—designated PT-3—underwent and successfully passed the European Union’s aerodynamic takeoff system identification tests, Caliber.Az reports.

Selçuk Bayraktar:

Bayraktar KIZILELMA PT-3 ✈️🚀🍎⁰
🛫 AB Kalkışlı Aerodinamik Sistem Tanımlama Testi pic.twitter.com/c0f99n8ovI

— SavunmaSanayiST.com (@SavunmaSanayiST) August 26, 2025

Selçuk Bayraktar, Chairman of Baykar, confirmed the successful outcome of the tests and noted that the PT-3 prototype incorporates substantial design refinements informed by lessons learned from earlier iterations. In particular, the aircraft features enhanced structural elements and a modernized avionics architecture, positioning it for improved performance in complex mission scenarios.

Crucially, the latest test flights were conducted using an afterburning jet engine, which has now been fully integrated into the airframe. This powerful propulsion system enables the KIZILELMA to approach supersonic speeds, marking a significant leap in capability. The integration of advanced aerodynamic modifications also contributes to superior high-speed maneuverability—an essential trait for future air combat environments.

Furthermore, the aircraft is equipped with an Active Electronically Scanned Array (AESA) radar, which delivers high-fidelity situational awareness and enables precision targeting in highly contested airspace. This sensor suite will allow the KIZILELMA to execute a broad spectrum of missions, including air-to-air engagements, ground strike operations, and intelligence-gathering tasks.

By Vafa Guliyeva