Overview
- Baykar confirmed that two Kizilelma prototypes, PT3 and PT5, flew in tight formation on December 28 over Çorlu using onboard AI without direct human control.
- The aircraft employed “smart fleet autonomy” to share data, make coordinated decisions, and maintain precise positioning at high subsonic speeds.
- The company describes the event as a world‑first public demonstration of jet‑powered unmanned combat aircraft flying fully autonomously in close formation.
- Baykar says it will expand cooperative autonomy next with more complex missions and integration with manned assets as flight testing continues in 2026.
- Secondary reporting cites a 2026 serial‑production target and potential Turkish service deployment within 12–18 months, which remain unconfirmed by independent sources.