Unmanned fighter

Unmanned fighter
Bayraktar Kızılelma is the world's first serially produced unmanned fighter aircraft[1][2]
ClassificationAircraft
IndustryArms
ApplicationAerial warfare
Invented2025 (2025)[3][4][5]

Unmanned fighter aircraft (UFA);[6] also known as an unmanned fighter, fighter drone, or autonomous fighter aircraft, is a class of military unmanned combat aerial vehicles (UCAVs) designed for air-to-air combat and high-performance tactical maneuvers without an onboard human pilot.[7][6][1] While traditional UCAVs were optimized primarily for intelligence, surveillance, target acquisition, reconnaissance (ISTAR), or ground strikes, unmanned fighters possess capabilities similar to crewed fighter jets. These capabilities include high speed, stealth, extreme maneuverability, advanced artificial intelligence (AI), and beyond-visual-range (BVR) missile integration.[7][2][8][9] Several unmanned fighter aircraft are designed for multirole operations, featuring both air-to-air and surface-attack capabilities.[10][11][12] Powered by artificial intelligence, unmanned fighter aircraft such as the Bayraktar Kızılelma and Shield AI X-BAT are capable of full autonomy, while platforms like the Anduril FQ-44 are designed to operate semi-autonomously based on mission requirements.[13][11][9]

History and development

Unmanned aerial vehicles originated as target drones and early radio-controlled airframes.[14][15][16] Early operational unmanned combat aerial vehicles, such as the General Atomics MQ-9 Reaper, focused on reconnaissance and air-to-ground strike missions.[17][8] However, these propeller-driven drones lacked the speed and maneuverability needed to survive in contested airspace against enemy air defense systems or manned fighter jets.[2][17][18]

To solve this problem, defense developers in the 2010s and early 2020s began projects for stealthy, jet-powered drones.[1][19][2] Jet-powered platforms like the Northrop Grumman X-47B demonstrator and the Bayraktar Kızılelma proved that autonomous aircraft could carry weapons internally and operate alongside crewed fleets.[20][21][22]

On 18 April 2024, the USAF and DARPA announced the successful engagement of the General Dynamics X-62 VISTA, an experimental artificial-intelligence-capable aircraft, against a conventional, human piloted F-16 in the human vs artificial intelligence dogfight.[23] On May 2, Air Force Secretary Frank Kendall III said he'd trust the AI with the ability to launch weapons.[24] In November 2025, the Bayraktar Kızılelma used its AESA radar to lock onto a target F-16 and scored a direct hit in a simulated BVR missile fire test.[25] On 17 December 2025, two Kızılelma performed the world's first autonomous close-formation flight by two unmanned fighter jets, using artificial intelligence.[26]

The drive to field unmanned fighters is largely motivated by the concept of "affordable mass." Modern crewed stealth fighters cost between $80 million and $100 million per aircraft. Military organizations aim to build unmanned fighters at approximately one-third of that cost. This allows armed forces to deploy larger numbers of aircraft to absorb enemy fire and saturate air defenses.[27]

Design and capabilities

Unmanned fighters rely on jet propulsion to match the speed and altitude of crewed military aircraft.[28][29][30] Most of the airframes of unmanned fighter aircraft feature low-observable (stealth) design principles, such as internal weapons bays and tailless to minimize their radar cross-section.[2][6] Bayraktar Kızılelma featured canard layouts to increase maneuverability.[31]

Artificial intelligence is a core feature of the unmanned fighter. Onboard AI computers handle autonomous flight, takeoff, landing, and tactical decision-making. These systems allow the drone to carry out missions independently even when communications with human operators are jammed or severed.[8][6][11]

Recent trials have demonstrated beyond-visual-range air-to-air combat performance. On 30 November 2025, the Bayraktar Kızılelma successfully completed an air-to-air BVR engagement test, launching a Gökdoğan missile at a target drone guided by its own radar, becoming the first autonomous unmanned fighter aircraft to do so.[8][32][33] In 2026, the U.S. Air Force conducted successful live-fire launches of AIM-120 AMRAAM air-to-air missiles from a Anduril FQ-44 prototype.[34]

Unmanned fighter and Loyal wingman

The terms "unmanned fighter" and "loyal wingman" describe related but distinct aviation concepts. An unmanned fighter aircraft is defined by its physical design and combat capabilities. It possesses the sensors, speed, agility, and armament required to engage in direct air-to-air combat like a traditional fighter jet.[35]

In contrast, "loyal wingman" refers to an operational concept known as manned-unmanned teaming (MUM-T). In this role, an autonomous aircraft flies alongside a crewed aircraft to support human pilots.[36] An unmanned fighter can act as a loyal wingman drone, but a loyal wingman drone is not always an unmanned fighter.[9] Many loyal wingman drones are built solely as sensor nodes, electronic warfare platforms, or decoy targets. These specialized drones often lack the dogfighting maneuvering and heavy air-to-air weapons needed to be classified as true unmanned fighters.[37]

Notable platforms

Bayraktar Kızılelma

The Baykar Bayraktar Kızılelma is a Turkish jet-powered unmanned fighter aircraft developed by Baykar. It made its first flight on December 14, 2022.[1] The Kızılelma is an already developed unmanned fighter and the first operational platform of its kind, entering official service in 2026 soon.[35] The aircraft features a low radar cross-section, an AESA radar, and internal weapons bays. It has a maximum takeoff weight of 8.5 tons and can operate from short-runway aircraft carriers like the TCG Anadolu.[35] In November 2025, Baykar integrated the TOYGUN electro-optical targeting system into the aircraft and performed autonomous close-formation flight tests with two Kızılelma platforms.[38][25]

Anduril FQ-44

The Anduril FQ-44, named "Fury", is an American unmanned fighter jet developed by Anduril Industries.[9] The aircraft completed its maiden flight in October 2025.[39] In June 2026, the U.S. Air Force selected the FQ-44 for initial production under Increment 1 of its Collaborative Combat Aircraft (CCA) program.[40] The FQ-44 has a maximum takeoff weight of 5,000 pounds and reaches high subsonic speeds of Mach 0.95.[39]

General Atomics FQ-42 Dark Merlin

The General Atomics FQ-42 Dark Merlin is an American unmanned fighter aircraft built for the U.S. Air Force's CCA program.[41] Derived from the XQ-67A demonstrator platform, the Dark Merlin began flight testing in August 2025. It was selected for production alongside the Anduril FQ-44 in June 2026.[40] The airframe features a single jet engine, V-tail control surfaces, and internal weapon bays designed for air-to-air missiles.[41]

CA-1 Europa

The CA-1 Europa is a European autonomous fighter aircraft in the three-to-five ton weight class. It is being developed by defense company Helsing alongside Grob Aircraft.[42] The CA-1 Europa measures 11 meters in length with a 10-meter wingspan and operates at high subsonic speeds.[42] It utilizes "Centaur AI" software for autonomous operation in contested air environments.[42]

Shield AI X-BAT

The Shield AI X-BAT is an autonomous supersonic combat aircraft featuring vertical takeoff and landing (VTOL) capabilities.[11][37] It uses a modified thrust-vectoring turbofan engine, allowing it to launch and land without traditional runways.[37] The X-BAT is driven by Shield AI's Hivemind software, which enables full tactical autonomy when GPS and communications are jammed.[11] It offers a flight range of over 2,000 nautical miles and internal weapon bays.[37]

See also

References

  1. 1 2 3 4 "Kizilelma (Red Apple): First Drone Fighter Jet". CAPSS India. 27 March 2023. Retrieved 18 August 2026.
  2. 1 2 3 4 5 "Unmanned Combat Aerial Vehicles (UCAVs): The Future of Aerial Warfare?". Grey Dynamics. 27 August 2024. Retrieved 18 August 2026.
  3. ↑ "Baykar signs first export deal for fighter drone with Indonesia". Anadolu Agency. 6 May 2026. Retrieved 23 August 2026.
  4. ↑ "Kizilelma unmanned combat aircraft enters serial production, delivery expected 2026". Türkiye Today. August 2, 2025. Archived from the original on September 14, 2025. Retrieved May 21, 2024.
  5. ↑ "Turkey's Baykar Begins Serial Production of Kızılelma Combat Drone".
  6. 1 2 3 4 "Bayraktar Kızılelma Unmanned Fighter Aircraft". Baykar. Archived from the original on 2 December 2025. Retrieved 2 December 2025.
  7. 1 2 Sagar; Abhinav; Kumar, Neeraj (2025). "Unmanned Fighter Aircraft (UFA)" (PDF). Research Trend. Archived (PDF) from the original on 18 April 2026. Retrieved 23 August 2026.
  8. 1 2 3 4 "Unmanned Fighter Jet Bayraktar KIZILELMA Hits Target in First Air-to-Air Test-Firing". Naval News. 30 November 2025. Archived from the original on 1 December 2025. Retrieved 23 August 2026.
  9. 1 2 3 4 "Anduril Wins Production Contract for U.S. Air Force CCA Program". Anduril Industries. 17 June 2026. Retrieved 18 August 2026.
  10. ↑ Cherevko, Vlad (3 August 2025). "Turkey has begun mass production of the Kızılelma unmanned fighter with Ukrainian engine". Mezham. Archived from the original on 25 August 2026. Retrieved 25 August 2026.
  11. 1 2 3 4 5 "The World's First AI-Piloted VTOL Fighter Jet". Shield AI. Archived from the original on 22 October 2025. Retrieved 25 August 2026.
  12. ↑ "Helsing unveils CA-1 Europa: an autonomous fighter jet". Grob Aircraft. 24 September 2026. Archived from the original on 25 August 2026. Retrieved 25 August 2026.
  13. ↑ Chomsky, Martin (28 December 2025). "Bayraktar Kizilelma performs first autonomous close-formation wingman flight test in Türkiye". Defence Industry Europe. Archived from the original on 10 February 2026. Retrieved 26 August 2026.
  14. ↑ Taylor, John W. R.. Jane's Pocket Book of Remotely Piloted Vehicles.
  15. ↑ Hearst Magazines (August 1954). "Bright Colored Fish Flies High Over New Mexico Sands". Popular Mechanics. Hearst Magazines. p. 105. Retrieved August 26, 2026.
  16. ↑ Grimes, Bill (2014). The History of Big Safari. Archway Publishing. p. 311. ISBN 9781480804562.
  17. 1 2 Honrada, Gabriel (August 21, 2026). "US Reaper drones near end of the line in a new war era". Asia Times. Archived from the original on August 21, 2026. Retrieved August 23, 2026.
  18. ↑ Pabst, Stavroula (August 17, 2026). "The Iran war flushed $1.3 billion of Reaper drones down the drain". Responsible Statecraft. Archived from the original on August 19, 2026. Retrieved August 23, 2026.
  19. ↑ Svitlyk, Yuri (31 October 2024). "All About the Turkish UAV Bayraktar Kizilelma: Development History and Prospects". Aeronaut Media. Archived from the original on 6 November 2024. Retrieved 23 August 2026.
  20. ↑ "X-47B Demonstrates Unmanned Aerial Refueling for the First Time". Jalopnik.com. 16 April 2015. Retrieved 26 August 2026.
  21. ↑ "BAYRAKTAR KIZILELMA ACHIEVES FIRSTS IN AVIATION HISTORY". Baykar. 6 June 2023. Retrieved 26 August 2026.
  22. ↑ Baykar (24 August 2026). "KIZILELMA Successfully Completes First Firing Tests From Its Internal Weapons Bay". Archived from the original on 24 August 2026. Retrieved 24 August 2026.
  23. ↑ Losey, Stephen (19 April 2024). "US Air Force stages dogfights with AI-flown fighter jet". Defense News. Retrieved 28 April 2024.
  24. ↑ Copp, Tara (May 3, 2024). "An AI-controlled fighter jet took the Air Force leader for a historic ride. What that means for war". AP News. Retrieved May 8, 2024.
  25. 1 2 "HISTORIC TRIAL FOR BAYRAKTAR KIZILELMA: LOCKED ONTO AN F-16, SCORED A DIRECT HIT IN SIMULATED FIRE!". Baykar. 20 November 2025. Retrieved 18 August 2026.
  26. ↑ "BAYRAKTAR KIZILELMA PERFORMS FORMATION FLIGHT USING SMART FLEET AUTONOMY". baykartech.com. Baykar Tech. 2025-12-28. Archived from the original on 2026-01-09. Retrieved 2026-01-09.
  27. ↑ "Air Force Wants Nearly $1 Billion to Start Buying CCAs in 2027". Air & Space Forces Magazine. 6 April 2026. Retrieved 18 August 2026.
  28. ↑ "Baykar started Kızılelma engine integration tests". TURDEF. 18 September 2022. Archived from the original on 2 December 2023. Retrieved 25 August 2026.
  29. ↑ Sezer, Can (24 October 2024). "Turkish drone maker Baykar to invest $300 mln to develop jet engine, CEO says". Reuters. Retrieved 24 August 2026.
  30. ↑ Gavilan, Jodesz (22 July 2026). "Shield AI, GE Complete Critical X-BAT Engine Integration Test". The Defense Post. Retrieved 25 August 2026.
  31. ↑ Newdick, Thomas (21 November 2022). "Turkey's Fighter-Like Drone Emerges For Taxi Tests". The Drive. Retrieved 27 August 2026.
  32. ↑ Longino, Crisnel (30 November 2025). "Turkey's New Killer Drone Makes History After Blasting Jet Out of the Sky—No Pilot Required". International Business Times. Retrieved 1 December 2025.
  33. ↑ "'Global first': Turkish UAV shoots down aircraft with BVR air-to-air Missile;company lauds pinpoint accuracy". The Times of India. 30 November 2025. Retrieved 1 December 2025.
  34. ↑ "Air Force conducts live-fire test for Collaborative Combat Aircraft program". United States Air Force. 15 July 2026. Retrieved 18 August 2026.
  35. 1 2 3 "Bayraktar KIZILELMA". BAYKAR Technology. Retrieved 18 August 2026.
  36. ↑ Easley, Mikayla (24 April 2024). "Anduril, General Atomics move into next phase of Air Force CCA drone program". DefenseScoop. Retrieved 18 August 2026.
  37. 1 2 3 4 Tirpak, John A. (23 October 2025). "New Kind of CCA? Meet the Supersonic, VTOL X-BAT". Air & Space Forces Magazine. Retrieved 18 August 2026.
  38. ↑ "BAYRAKTAR KIZILELMA'YA HAYALET GÖZ!". Baykar. 17 November 2025. Retrieved 18 August 2026.
  39. 1 2 Trevithick, Joseph (31 October 2025). "Anduril's YFQ-44 Fury 'Fighter' Drone Has Flown". The War Zone. Retrieved 18 August 2026.
  40. 1 2 Mehta, Aaron (17 June 2026). "Air Force picks General Atomics, Anduril to build first CCA drone wingmen". Breaking Defense. Retrieved 18 August 2026.
  41. 1 2 Rogoway, Tyler (23 February 2026). "Dark Merlin Is The Name Of General Atomics' YFQ-42A Fighter Drone". The War Zone. Retrieved 18 August 2026.
  42. 1 2 3 "CA-1 Europa – Helsing". Helsing. Retrieved 18 August 2026.
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