Turkey has unveiled crucial details about its groundbreaking unmanned fighter jet project, signaling a significant leap in military technology. During the Aviation and Space Summit, Selçuk Bayraktar, the Chief Technology Officer of leading drone manufacturer Baykar, revealed that the domestically developed fighter jet is poised for its maiden flight in 2023.

This advanced aircraft is designed to perform a wide array of military operations, including strategic offensives, close air support, and the suppression of enemy air defenses. With an impressive take-off weight of 5,500 kilograms (12,125 pounds), it boasts a payload capacity of 1,500 kilograms. The unmanned fighter jet is engineered for high operational altitudes and can reach speeds of up to 800 kilometers per hour (approximately 500 miles per hour or Mach 0.64), all while maintaining low visibility and aggressive maneuverability.

Bayraktar emphasized the urgency of this project, particularly in light of Turkey’s exclusion from the F-35 program, which has left the nation at risk of technological lag. He stated that while developing conventional fighter jets could take decades, focusing on artificial intelligence-equipped unmanned warplanes positions Turkey at the forefront of modern military capabilities.

As global defense strategies evolve, Turkey’s commitment to advancing its unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) technology places it among the leaders in the field, following its earlier successes with game-changing UAVs and UCAVs. The world is watching closely as Turkey prepares to make its mark with this innovative fighter jet, which could redefine aerial combat in the coming years.