Drone Manufacturer Baykar, Known as Kızılelma UAV
The Bayraktar Kızılelma UAV, an unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) developed by Baykar Makina, a Turkish company based in Istanbul, has been generating significant international interest. Although primarily used for reconnaissance and surveillance purposes, the Kızılelma can also be armed with missiles for offensive operations.
The medium-altitude, long-endurance UAV boasts a service ceiling of 14,000 metres (45,000 feet) and a combat range of 930 kilometres (580 miles, 500 nautical miles) on internal fuel. With a wingspan of 10 metres (32 feet 10 inches) and a length of 14.7 metres (48 feet 3 inches), the Kızılelma is equipped with various cameras and can be armed with Roketsan-produced UMTAS and Cirit missiles.
While Turkey is the developer and likely primary user of the Kızılelma UAV, Ukraine is a major partner in its production and potential operational use. Baykar is building a factory in Ukraine to produce the Kızılelma UAV, indicating plans for Ukrainian production and involvement. Ukraine has also expressed interest in purchasing Kızılelma UAVs.
Other countries, such as Pakistan, Azerbaijan, and Turkmenistan, have shown interest in acquiring the Kızılelma UAV, but no direct export customers have been publicly confirmed beyond Turkey itself. However, several countries have signed contracts or future acquisition agreements for Baykar's other UAVs like the Bayraktar Akıncı. These countries include Pakistan, Turkey, Azerbaijan, Libya, Ethiopia, Burkina Faso, Morocco, the United Arab Emirates, and Somalia.
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 educational background includes 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.
The Bayraktar Kızılelma UAV has already seen action in various conflicts, including the Syrian Civil War and the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict. Its versatility and potential for offensive operations have made it a valuable asset in these conflicts.
It is worth noting that the export of military equipment is often subject to government approvals and regulations. Therefore, while there is interest in the Kızılelma UAV from various countries, actual sales may depend on these approvals and regulations.
In summary, the Bayraktar Kızılelma UAV is a Turkish unmanned fighter jet that is gaining international attention, particularly due to its potential for operational use in Ukraine and its consideration for integration in major programs like GCAP involving the UK, Italy, and Japan. While no direct export customers have been publicly confirmed beyond Turkey, several countries have shown interest in acquiring the Kızılelma UAV or Baykar's other UAVs.
The Bayraktar Kızılelma UAV, a product of advanced technology, has been gaining international attention due to its potential for operational use in Ukraine. With its capability to be armed with missiles for offensive operations, it serves as a valuable asset in various conflicts such as the Syrian Civil War and the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict.
