Innovations in drone technology have progressed significantly since its inception decades ago, particularly in military usage. A notable example is an undersea drone capable of attaching to vessels, while Turkey’s latest combat drone recently made headlines by successfully using a Beyond-Visual-Range (BVR) missile to destroy a jet-powered aircraft without direct visual contact. This operation marked a significant milestone in drone capabilities.
The successful operation was part of a test conducted near the Black Sea, rather than in an active combat setting. The Bayraktar Kizilelma drone executed this mission using an air-to-air missile, engaging in a formation flight with five F-16s and employing radar to lock onto a high-speed target. Following that, a Turkish-developed BVR missile was deployed to neutralize the enemy aircraft. Moreover, all components including the missile, drone, and radar were domestically produced in Turkey, adding to the significance of this achievement.
Traditionally, military drone programs have been primarily focused on air-to-ground capabilities. However, the engagement of one aircraft with another while airborne represents an innovative approach. The success of this test could pave the way for new operational strategies for military drones. Additionally, it marks the historic occasion where a combat drone has successfully shot down an enemy jet using a BVR air-to-air missile.
From drones to F-16s: Turkey’s missile strategy
The Bayraktar Kizilelma executed its mission using the Gokdogan missile, renowned for its BVR capabilities. This advanced weapon is equipped with an active radar seeker that allows for real-time target acquisition and tracking, and it is designed to resist jamming and counter evasive maneuvers. With a range exceeding 40 miles, the Gokdogan is adept at engaging multiple targets from various angles and features a fire-and-forget capability, enabling it to swiftly transition from one target to another.
Turkey’s Scientific and Technological Research Council (TÜBİTAK) SAGE dedicated over a decade to the development of this missile, which is intended to complement the nation’s F-16 fighter jets and military interceptors. Following these successful test runs, the BVR missile program is poised to play a pivotal role in enhancing Turkey’s military capabilities in the future.
