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Bayraktar Kizilelma Fires Supersonic JET-230 Missile in First Live Test

Turkey’s Bayraktar Kizilelma unmanned combat aircraft has fired Roketsan’s supersonic JET-230 air-to-surface missile for the first time, striking a sea-based target from a range exceeding 120 kilometers.

At a Glance

The live-fire test was conducted on 11 July 2026 at the 5th Main Jet Base in Merzifon.
The serial-production model (tail number S2) took off carrying two JET-230 missiles.
The missile was launched from a range of more than 120 kilometers against a sea target.
JET-230 is a supersonic air-to-surface missile developed by Roketsan.
Kizilelma had previously integrated the Gokdogan, Tolun, Teber-82, KGK and LGK-82 munitions.

A first supersonic strike from an unmanned platform

Turkey’s first unmanned combat aircraft, the Bayraktar Kizilelma, has completed its first live-fire test with Roketsan’s supersonic JET-230 air-to-surface missile. The serial-production configuration aircraft took off on 11 July with two JET-230 rounds mounted under its wings and headed toward a target over the sea.

During the test the missile was launched from a range exceeding 120 kilometers and hit the target with precision. The firing was carried out within the area of responsibility of the 5th Main Jet Base in Merzifon. The airframe, bearing tail number S2, had relocated on 8 July from Baykar’s Akinci Flight Training and Test Center in Corlu to Merzifon to prepare for the trial.

JET-230 and the Kizilelma weapons suite

The JET-230 belongs to Roketsan’s family of supersonic air-to-surface missiles designed to engage fixed, high-value targets from stand-off distances. Firing such a weapon successfully from an unmanned platform at this range widens the offensive envelope available to the Kizilelma.

Kizilelma is built around internal weapons carriage and a design that aims to reduce its radar signature. In recent months Baykar has accelerated the integration of domestically produced munitions onto the aircraft, having already completed firing tests with the Gokdogan air-to-air missile and the Tolun, Teber-82, KGK and LGK-82 guided munitions. The JET-230 trial marks the first time the aircraft has demonstrated the ability to carry and launch a supersonic air-to-surface missile.

Why It Matters

Launching a supersonic air-to-surface missile from an unmanned fighter signals that Turkey’s uncrewed combat aircraft concept is aimed at more than reconnaissance and light strike; it targets heavy, stand-off missions as well. Such a capability could allow high-value targets to be engaged in contested airspace without exposing crewed aircraft.

The trial also reflects the deepening cooperation between Baykar and Roketsan. Validating interoperability between a domestic platform and a domestic missile matters for offering an integrated solution on the export market.