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Haluk Gorgun, President of the Presidency of Defense Industries (SSB), shared pivotal insights on Kizilelma, one of Türkiye's most ambitious unmanned combat aircraft projects.
According to Gorgun, the platform, developed by Baykar and currently undergoing testing, is expected to be incorporated into the Turkish Armed Forces’ (TAF) inventory by 2026.
Gorgun emphasized that Kizilelma is distinct from conventional unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) due to its warplane capabilities. Particularly, it stands out in critical areas such as stealth technology, high speed, and low radar visibility, offering capabilities close to those of fifth-generation fighter aircraft.
"Baykar is working day and night. They are conducting tests, and Allah willing, it will enter the inventory next year," Gorgun stated in a special interview with journalist Taha Huseyin Karagoz.
"Kizilelma offers a remarkable leap in the unmanned combat aircraft field, with the potential to revolutionize modern warfare," Gorgun noted.
A key highlight of Gorgun’s remarks was the future-oriented "manned-unmanned teaming" concept, where manned and unmanned platforms operate together in a coordinated fashion. This integration is expected to transform combat operations.
In this new paradigm, pilots will not only operate manned aircraft but will also control unmanned systems simultaneously, thanks to artificial intelligence (AI) support.
"This will reduce human losses while enhancing operational effectiveness. We are building an ecosystem where different aircraft platforms, including KAAN, Kizilelma, ANKA-3, TB2, and Akinci, can operate together in the same mission environment," said Gorgun.
Gorgun also shed light on the progress of KAAN, the national fighter jet slated for delivery to the Turkish Armed Forces by 2028. KAAN is not just a fighter jet but a key element in shaping the future doctrine of warfare.
"KAAN will not only be a manned aircraft but will operate with AI, utilizing sensor fusion and advanced human-machine interaction," Gorgun explained.
The project’s production and testing processes are progressing in parallel. According to Gorgun, Türkiye has already placed an order with TAI for six KAAN units, which are currently in production. The first armed tests of KAAN are expected soon. Gorgun also emphasized the significance of these tests as they prepare the aircraft for operational versions.
"We will witness remarkable images from KAAN this year and next. These armed tests are crucial for transitioning to serial production," Gorgun stated.
One of the most exciting aspects of Türkiye's defense aviation advancements is the ongoing work on domestic engines.
"Our team is working rapidly on the engine. We plan to see KAAN equipped with a domestic engine in the early 2030s," Gorgun revealed.
Beyond KAAN, Türkiye is already working on algorithms for the sixth-generation fighter aircraft. While focusing on existing UAV platforms and collaborating with systems like Hurjet, Gorgun confirmed that preparations for this next leap in aviation technology are underway.
Gorgun also discussed the multi-layered air defense architecture currently under development by Türkiye, highlighting the significance of this system’s nationwide protection capabilities.
"While many think of the Iron Dome system in Israel, we are building a system that will protect not only specific areas but the entire country," he explained.
The development of this national defense system involves contributions from around 750 local companies, with each playing a crucial role in ensuring the system’s success. Gorgun highlighted that the success of this complex structure relies on impeccable coordination, quality, and timely execution across the supply chain.
According to Gorgun, Türkiye’s young engineers and technicians, whose average age is between 33 and 34, offer a distinct advantage over European counterparts, whose average age is around 50.
"This demographic advantage, coupled with the reverse brain drain, is fortifying Türkiye’s technology and defense ecosystems," Gorgun noted.
In line with these developments, Turkish Aerospace Industries (TAI) has significantly ramped up its production capacity, focusing on aircraft, helicopters, and UAVs.
"We are seeing unprecedented production numbers for the Gokbey helicopter, with 26 units planned in the near future," said Mehmet Demiroglu, General Manager of TAI. Demiroglu also announced plans to deliver 10 Hurkus aircraft by the end of 2025.
Demiroglu lastly emphasized that TAI is not only focused on fulfilling domestic defense needs but is also gearing up for substantial export potential. For instance, TAI expects to produce at least 500 Gokbey helicopters and anticipates significant production numbers for fixed-wing aircraft as well.
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