Full Breakdown
Turkey-Italy Live Test Demonstrates Crewed-Uncrewed Fighter Teaming
6/24/2026, 8:02:45 AM
Core Event: K-SWARM Live Trials in Çorlu
In May 2026, Baykar’s Kizilelma unmanned combat air vehicle (UCAV) and Leonardo’s M-346 Fighter-Attack trainer conducted the first live phase of the K-SWARM programme at Baykar’s flight-test centre in Çorlu, Turkey. The UCAV performed an autonomous taxi, take-off and formation-joining with the M-346. Once linked, the two-person crew in the jet assumed full command of the drone, issuing initial formation commands that the Kizilelma executed autonomously, including position changes, separations and rejoins. An advanced radio-frequency data-exchange system synchronized all flight data between the platforms.
Background & Development Timeline
- 2013 – Baykar initiates the Kizilelma project.
- July 2021 – Conceptual studies publicly disclosed.
- December 2022 – First brief flight of the UCAV.
- June 2025 – Leonardo and Baykar sign a joint-venture agreement to co-develop unmanned systems.
- Late 2025 – Turkey announces Kizilelma’s successful launch of a domestically-produced Gökdogan air-to-air missile against a target drone.
- May 2026 – Live K-SWARM trials demonstrate crewed-uncrewed teaming.
Key Participants and Technologies
- Baykar (Turkey) – Provides the Kizilelma UCAV, Smart Fleet Autonomy algorithms, and integration of the Ukrainian-made Ivchenko-Progress AI-322F turbofan (?10,000 lb thrust, afterburner).
- Leonardo (Italy) – Supplies the M-346 Fighter-Attack variant, a crewed/uncrewed computing suite, and the RF data-exchange system.
- M-346 – Light fighter-trainer sold to Singapore, Poland and Israel; used as the “loyal wingman” controller.
- Kizilelma – Supersonic, reduced-observable UCAV equipped with Toygun electro-optical sensor, AESA radar and the Gökdogan missile.
Data & Technical Specifications
- Engine: Ivchenko-Progress AI-322F turbofan, ~10,000 lb thrust, afterburner capability.
- Sensors: AESA radar, electro-optical targeting system (Toygun).
- Communication: Advanced RF data-exchange enabling real-time synchronization of flight parameters.
- Armament: Turkish-made Gökdogan radar-guided air-to-air missile (tested in 2025).
Official Statements & Summaries
Leonardo highlighted that the trial “greatly simplified the integration process, allowing for seamless implementation and rapid deployment.” The firm described the flight as a “major milestone” for crewed/uncrewed teaming and noted that refined AI algorithms will “incrementally shift from remote piloting to autonomy, reducing pilot workload while maintaining full control.” Both companies announced that subsequent tests will involve larger formations and more complex mission sets. Baykar emphasized its Smart Fleet Autonomy software as the core of the crewed-uncrewed algorithms.
Criticism & Uncertainties
Analysts note that the maturity of the AI and autonomy engine remains unclear; controlling a drone is distinct from enabling it to “do much of the thinking” autonomously. The programme’s roadmap does not disclose how enhanced situational awareness will be achieved, leaving a gap in understanding the full operational capability.
Strategic Implications and Export Potential
Kizilelma’s ITAR-free status positions Turkey to offer the UCAV, potentially paired with the TF Kaan or Hürjet fighters, to customers barred from U.S.-origin systems. European interest is evident, with Germany seeking an operational CCA by decade’s end. Leonardo may leverage the technology for its Future Combat Air Programme (GCAP) and for integrating loyal-wingman drones with platforms such as the Eurofighter Typhoon.
Conflicting Reports & Information Gaps
Sources agree on the successful autonomous taxi, take-off and formation, but differ on the extent of AI autonomy achieved. No independent verification of the drone’s decision-making depth has been provided, and details on future sensor fusion and swarming algorithms remain undisclosed.
Verbatim Quotes
- “Kizilelma’s advanced autonomy capabilities greatly simplified the integration process, allowing for seamless implementation and rapid deployment,” — Leonardo
- “Leonardo and Baykar set a major milestone in the development of Crewed/UnCrewed Teaming (CUC-T) and swarm tactics capabilities,” — Leonardo
- “The refinement and maturity of AI technology, algorithms and collaborative procedures will enable the uncrewed systems to incrementally shift from remote piloting to autonomy, with the aim of reducing pilot workload and increasing mission efficiency while maintaining full control and decision-making,” — Leonardo
- “New tests are planned in the coming months, with increasing complexity and additional functions,” — Leonardo
- “Leonardo M-346 airplanes and Bayraktar KIZILELMA unmanned fighter aircraft have successfully performed a series of joint autonomous formation flights as part of the K-SWARM programme,” — Leonardo/Baykar statement
- “An advanced radio frequency data exchange system allowed for the synchronization of all data shared between the M-346 and KIZILELMA platforms,” — Leonardo/Baykar statement
What’s Next
The next phase will expand the K-SWARM fleet, incorporate additional UCAVs, and evaluate swarming behaviours under pilot-approved autonomous control. Planned missions aim to test higher-level situational awareness, multi-target engagement and integration with future Turkish fighter programs.
