Kizilelma Fighter Drone and M-346 Aircraft Put Through Joint Trials
On June 25 at 11:33 AM, Turkey conducted a test flight involving the Kizilelma combat drone (developed by Baykar) and the M-346 aircraft (built by Leonardo) as part of the K-SWARM program, which focuses on integrating manned and unmanned aerial systems. These trials represent the latest exploration into the evolution of aerial warfare. The tests took place last month at Baykar's flight test center in Corlu, Turkey. Participants included a variant of the M-346 fighter-attack aircraft (Leonardo) and the unmanned Kizilelma aircraft. The Italian Air Force's T-346A, a training version of the M-346, served as the chase plane.
During the tests, the Kizilelma autonomously performed taxiing and takeoff, then joined the M-346 in formation. A two-person crew assumed full control of the Kizilelma after it had joined the formation. These trials marked the first active phase of the K-SWARM program by Leonardo and Baykar, which aims to advance cooperation between piloted and unmanned aircraft (CUC-T, MUM-T). The tests utilized autonomous swarm algorithms from Baykar's HIL laboratory, while M-346 pilots used an integrated avionics suite to manage formations.
Development and Potential of the Kizilelma
Development of the Kizilelma began in 2013, and the project was unveiled to the public in July 2021. Its first flight occurred in December 2022. Later versions of the Kizilelma will be supersonic and adapted for air combat missions typically performed by manned fighters. The Kizilelma is being developed as a companion for Turkey's TF Kaan fighter jet. The final variant will be equipped with a Ukrainian-made AI-322F turbofan engine from Ivchenko-Progress, providing approximately 10,000 pounds of thrust with afterburner.
The Kizilelma is not subject to ITAR (U.S. International Traffic in Arms Regulations) restrictions. Turkey is leveraging its drone developments to sell weapons to various countries, including Ukraine. Earlier reports indicated that Turkey successfully tested the new Kemankes 2 Mini Smart cruise missile, which can be launched from a pickup truck bed and has a range exceeding 200 km. A specialized SUV with mounting brackets was used for the Kemankes 2 test launch.
The Kizilelma and M-346 trials underscore Turkey's commitment to advancing its unmanned aerial vehicle technologies and integrating them into modern military systems. The K-SWARM project has the potential to significantly reshape air combat tactics by enabling more effective coordination between manned and unmanned platforms. This could influence military strategies not only for Turkey but also for its potential partners in the region. A key aspect of this process is the potential export of Turkish drones, which could strengthen international relations and boost the country's economy.