According to the US “Business Insider” website, the code name “Kizilemar” originates from the Turkish “Red Apple”, which is also developed and manufactured by Bekaar and is known as “the jewel on the crown”. Previously, Türkiye has provided more than 400 UAVs to 24 countries and regions, and it is natural to launch more advanced models.
According to Türkiye’s Anadolu News Agency, the “Kizilemar” UAV was launched for the first time on December 14 last year and successfully conducted its second test flight on January 23 this year. The aircraft is defined as a “drone” with a length of 14 meters, a wingspan of 9.7 meters, and a maximum range, altitude, and speed of 900 kilometers, 10600 meters, and 740 kilometers per hour, respectively. The maximum takeoff weight of the aircraft is about 6 tons, and it can carry a 1.5 ton payload for 5 hours of flight. Bekal claims that the Kizilemar UAV has a sharp angular shape, low radar reflection area, and an internal weapon compartment. Other advanced features of the aircraft include active phased array radar, over-the-horizon data transmission capabilities, and fully automatic takeoff and landing capabilities.
In terms of airborne weapons, the “Kizilemar” UAV can carry precision guided munitions, air-to-air missiles and cruise missiles independently developed by Türkiye, which reflects the importance of Türkiye’s government on its national defense industry. It is worth mentioning that the prototype plane just flew was equipped with an AL-25TLT jet engine manufactured by the Ukrainian “Ivchenko Progress” design bureau. This supplier will continue to fulfill its contract with Bekaar. In the future, “Kizilemar” will introduce a more advanced AI-322F engine from Ukraine, which can achieve supersonic flight, and may also introduce a dual engine version.
The research and development of the Kizilemar UAV began in 2013 and has accelerated significantly in recent years. This is basically consistent with the pace of Türkiye’s UAV entering the international market. In 2022, unmanned aerial vehicles are the most popular military products for foreign buyers in Türkiye, with sales exceeding 870 million dollars, an increase of 80% over the previous year. In addition to TB2, which has appeared frequently in Ukraine and other places, “Kyzylmar” is expected to be launched on the international market, but Türkiye’s navy will be its first user.
At present, Türkiye’s domestic UAVs still face some challenges and need to be further upgraded to adapt to maritime operations. The “Anadolu”, which has just been put into service, also needs to continue to improve on the problems found in the tests in order to safely operate the drone. Foreign media believe that this may take several years. Nevertheless, Türkiye is still ready to put the “UAV aircraft carrier” into use by 2025. Obviously, this is another major move by the country to seize the commanding heights of military technology.
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