The Turkish company Baykar has officially begun the mass production of its new combat drone, Kızılelma, which is expected to be in service with the Turkish Armed Forces by 2026. This was announced by the chairman of Baykar, Selçuk Bayraktar, during an interview on CNN Türk, as reported by "Ukrinform". Currently, the sixth prototype of this drone is on the production line.

Kızılelma represents the cutting edge of next-generation drone technology. Bayraktar emphasized that this type of equipment allows for conducting risky operations without endangering human lives.

“The Kızılelma is an unmanned fighter, which means you can take risks with it... Previously, drones were primarily reconnaissance tools, but they have now been transformed into combat platforms. They have successfully neutralized a significant number of military vehicles and equipment. The Bayraktar TB2 has achieved this,” he stated.

As of 2025, Turkey is projected to hold 65% of the global market for unmanned aerial vehicles and is the first country to mass-produce drones. Baykar also highlights that the future of aviation is linked to drone swarms and the development of unmanned combat systems.

Bayraktar Kızılelma is the first Turkish multirole combat drone, developed since 2021 with funding from Baykar's own resources. The drone is equipped with a turbojet engine, including a modified Ukrainian AI-322F, which allows for supersonic speed and high maneuverability.

Kızılelma can take off from short runways, perform automated landings, operate in complex combat conditions, and carry up to 1.5 tons of armament. A key feature is its low radar cross-section and the incorporation of an AESA radar, which enhances situational awareness during combat operations.

This drone is positioned as an autonomous combat platform capable of executing a wide range of military tasks.