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Baykar, Ukraine to Launch Production of Advanced Kizilelma Combat UAV to Counter Shaheds
Turkish defense manufacturer Baykar will start production of its advanced Kizilelma combat UAV at its facility in Ukraine as early as this year. This development marks a significant milestone in the defense partnership between Kyiv and Ankara, as the drone will be equipped with Ukrainian-made AI-322F engines produced by Ivchenko-Progress bureau, Defense Express reported on June 17.
Baykar CEO Haluk Bayraktar earlier confirmed that construction of the Ukrainian plant is progressing, and the facility should become operational in 2025. "This is a strategic cooperation that goes beyond simple procurement. We are building a factory in Ukraine that will produce drones for many years," Bayraktar stated, as reported by Defense Express.
The Kizilelma UAV, which completed successful test flights of its fourth prototype, is designed for air superiority missions and can engage aerial targets, including Iranian-made Shahed drones, without risking pilot lives. According to Baykar, the use of Ukrainian jet engines will allow the aircraft to operate at high speeds and altitudes, enhancing its interception capabilities.
Currently, it is known that the Kizilelma will be armed, among other things, with both short- and medium-range air-to-air missiles. Although this approach is more expensive than using a cannon, it remains a far more reliable method for intercepting Shahed drones.
Defense analysts note that Kizilelma's deployment could significantly bolster Ukraine's air defense by adding a fully autonomous platform capable of neutralizing enemy drones and aircraft. The integration of the AI-322F turbojet, already in serial production, ensures a reliable and proven propulsion system.
In related news, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy revealed that Ukrainian drones struck over 40 Russian aircraft at airbases deep inside Russia as part of Operation Spider Web, causing significant losses to Russia's long-range aviation capabilities. The Wall Street Journal noted that this strike dealt one of the heaviest blows to Russia's bomber fleet since the full-scale invasion began.
