Baykar and Roketsan successfully test JET230 ballistic missiles for Kizilelma

Baykar and Roketsan announced, via short posts on their official social media accounts, the successful launch of the new JET230 ballistic missiles-a notable step towards bringing the weapon into the loadout of the advanced Kizilelma combat drones. Both companies said the trial was a complete success, with the missile striking a maritime target roughly 120 kilometres away, near Merzifon Air Base.

JET230 ballistic missile test near Merzifon

On the announcement, Roketsan stated: “(Editor’s note: The missile) continues to be the firepower of our national platforms, and we continue working with the same determination and faith for a secure future for our country.”

Baykar’s President, Selçuk Bayraktar, also issued a message to those involved in the campaign, marking what he described as a major milestone.

According to local media reports expanding on the test sequence, the Kizilelma combat drone-tail number S2-first departed Baykar’s Flight Training and Test Centre (in Tekirdağ Province) on 8 July. After arriving at Merzifon Air Base, the aircraft was configured for the firing event. Only on 11 July was the unmanned system able to take off again, now carrying two JET230 ballistic missiles, with the task of employing them against a simulated target in order to validate platform integration, accuracy, and range.

JET230 range expectations and potential users

With regard to the JET230’s development, Turkish analysts have indicated an expected maximum range of around 200 kilometres, a significant increase over the 150 kilometres attributed to the UAV-230 model developed by Roketsan for drone use.

In addition, based on the name selected for the new weapon, reports suggest the company intends to field it not only as an additional option for unmanned systems, but also for Turkish Air Force combat aircraft.

Kizilelma weapon integration milestones

Turning to the Kizilelma drones, Baykar has made substantial progress in recent months in integrating a variety of Turkish-made weapons. This fits a broader policy focused on increasing the Armed Forces’ autonomy by developing local industrial capability. Examples include trials of the Gökdoğan air-to-air missile, as well as the TEBER-82 and TOLUN guided munitions, among others.

In the case of the Gökdoğan missile tests, Kizilelma reached another milestone by demonstrating the ability to conduct interception missions and engage aerial targets beyond visual range, including high-speed airborne threats. On that occasion, the drone was accompanied by no fewer than five F-16C/D fighters, which supported the trials and closely monitored the platform’s performance.

Separately, and linked to the above, Kizilelma has also recently completed test flights alongside Leonardo and the Italian Air Force M-346 aircraft to confirm it can integrate into a manned formation. As we reported previously, the event required the prior development of “intelligent fleet autonomy” algorithms and lab procedures produced through collaboration between the two companies. Multiple simulations were also run ahead of the live manoeuvres to avoid any potential issues.