Drone Manufacturer Baykar's Kızılelma UAV
In the dynamic world of unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs), one Turkish company based in Istanbul, Baykar Makina, has made significant strides with its latest creation, the Bayraktar Kızılelma. This medium-altitude, long-endurance UAV, developed under the leadership of its CEO, Selçuk Bayraktar, the son of the company's founder, Professor Haluk Bayraktar, boasts impressive specifications and capabilities.
The Bayraktar Kızılelma, with a length of 14.7 meters (48 ft 3 in) and a wingspan of 10 meters (32 ft 10 in), can reach operational altitudes of up to 11,000 meters (35,000 ft) and has a service ceiling of 14,000 meters (45,000 ft). Its endurance is 5-6 hours, and it has a combat range of 930 km (580 mi, 500 nmi) on internal fuel. Equipped with various cameras and capable of being armed with Roketsan-produced UMTAS and Cirit missiles, the Kızılelma is primarily used for reconnaissance and surveillance purposes but can also be employed for offensive operations.
As of mid-2025, there is no publicly available record of any countries having officially purchased the Bayraktar Kızılelma UAV yet. However, there are clear indications of interest and cooperation efforts involving this next-generation Turkish UAV.
Ukraine, for instance, is planning to produce Kızılelma UAVs within the country and may become an indirect recipient or program partner. Additionally, Baykar has formed a joint venture with Italian aerospace company Leonardo, named LBA Systems, to produce next-generation unmanned systems, including the Kızılelma. This joint venture not only reflects industrial cooperation but also suggests that Italy is involved in the UAV's development and may consider it for its defense needs or the Global Combat Air Programme (GCAP), a sixth-generation fighter jet project with the UK, Italy, and Japan.
Other countries, such as Pakistan and Turkmenistan, have expressed interest in purchasing the Bayraktar Kızılelma UAVs. Azerbaijan, too, has already acquired the UAV and used it in the 2020 Nagorno-Karabakh conflict.
Despite these developments, the Kızılelma is currently at a stage of production ramp-up and strategic partnership building rather than widespread export or sales at present. The export of military equipment is often subject to government approvals and regulations.
Selçuk Bayraktar, the driving force behind Baykar Makina, holds a Bachelor's degree in Industrial Engineering from the Middle East Technical University and a Master's degree in Industrial Engineering from the University of Central Florida. His 20-year involvement in the development and production of unmanned aerial vehicles has positioned Baykar Makina as a key player in the global UAV market.
In summary, while there are no confirmed purchases of the Bayraktar Kızılelma UAV by name, there are clear signs of international interest and cooperation efforts. Ukraine, Italy, Pakistan, Turkmenistan, and Azerbaijan are among the countries showing interest in this next-generation Turkish UAV. As the industry evolves, it will be fascinating to see how the Bayraktar Kızılelma continues to shape the global UAV landscape.
technology plays a significant role in the development and production of the Bayraktar Kızılelma, with Selçuk Bayraktar, its creator, holding degrees in Industrial Engineering.
The finance sector may also be impacted as international interest and cooperation efforts regarding the Kızılelma suggest potential sales, with countries such as Ukraine, Italy, Pakistan, Turkmenistan, and Azerbaijan expressing interest in this next-generation Turkish UAV.
