Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV) Manufactured by BAYKAR: Kızılelma

The Bayraktar Kızılelma, a medium-altitude, long-endurance Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV) developed by Baykar Makina, has garnered significant global attention as a jet-powered combat drone. This advanced UAV, equipped with various cameras and capable of being armed with missiles, has been used in various conflicts, including the Syrian Civil War and the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict.

Azerbaijan, for instance, purchased Bayraktar Kızılelma UAVs in 2019 and deployed them in the 2020 Nagorno-Karabakh conflict. The UAV's endurance of 5-6 hours, service ceiling of 14,000 m (45,000 ft), and operational altitude of 11,000 m (35,000 ft) make it a formidable tool for reconnaissance, surveillance, and offensive operations.

As of July 2025, no country has been explicitly confirmed as having purchased the Bayraktar Kızılelma UAV. However, Somalia and Turkmenistan have expressed interest in acquiring this advanced drone technology. The Somali President's visit to the Baykar Technology Center in Turkey, where he was shown the Bayraktar Kızılelma and photographed holding its model, is evidence of Somalia's interest. Ukraine and Pakistan have also expressed similar sentiments.

It is worth noting that the export of military equipment is often subject to government approvals and regulations. Therefore, while international interest in the Bayraktar Kızılelma is evident, official announcements of purchases are yet to be made.

Selçuk Bayraktar, the CEO of Baykar Makina and the son of the company's founder, Professor Haluk Bayraktar, has been involved in the development and production of UAVs for over 20 years. His leadership has been instrumental in the success of Baykar's UAV programme, which includes the Bayraktar TB2 and Akıncı, already delivered to 35 countries.

The capacity of the Bayraktar Kızılelma is 1,500 kg (3,300 lb), and it has a wingspan of 10 m (32 ft 10 in). The length of the UAV is 14.7 m (48 ft 3 in). The combat range of Bayraktar Kızılelma is 930 km (580 mi, 500 nmi) on internal fuel.

As the global demand for advanced drone technology continues to grow, the Bayraktar Kızılelma, with its versatile capabilities, remains a sought-after UAV. While official purchases have yet to be confirmed, the interest from various countries suggests a promising future for this Turkish-made drone.

The growing global interest in advanced drone technology has extended to the finance sector, with potential buyers like Somalia and Turkmenistan seeking funding to acquire the Bayraktar Kızılelma UAV. With the aerospace industry projecting a trajectory of rapid technological advancements, the integration of modern drone technology could also pave the way for future complex operations within the sector.

As more countries express interest in the Bayraktar Kızılelma, questions regarding government approvals and regulations in the field of international finance and defense will become increasingly relevant, shaping the future landscape of the industry.