Kızılelma Drone Revolutionizes Warfare

A new drone named Kızılelma, classified as a heavy and high-speed combat unmanned aerial vehicle, is set to be delivered to the Turkish military starting in 2026. The Turkish defense company Baykar has announced it has begun mass production of the Kızılelma, which is regarded as one of the most advanced aerospace projects in Turkey.

Kızılelma Drone

This drone is reported to have a maximum takeoff weight of 8,500 kg, a payload capacity of 1,500 kg, a cruising speed of about Mach 0.6, and a top speed near Mach 0.9. It can operate at typical altitudes of 25,000 feet, with a ceiling of 45,000 feet, and it is expected to sustain flight for more than 4 hours. Among its systems are AESA radar and sensor suites, and it is capable of operating from short runways and naval vessels.