Turkey has conducted successful live trials of its Kizilelma uncrewed combat air vehicle (UCAV) with a crewed M-346 fighter-trainer aircraft. The trials, which took place last month, demonstrated collaborative operations between the two aircraft. The Kizilelma UCAV completed its taxi and takeoff autonomously before joining the M-346 in formation. The pilots in the M-346 then assumed control of the Kizilelma, commanding it to perform various maneuvers and formations.
The trials are part of the K-SWARM program, which aims to develop interoperability between crewed and uncrewed aircraft. The program has the potential to revolutionize air combat by enabling uncrewed systems to work alongside crewed aircraft. The next set of trials is planned for the coming months and will involve more complex maneuvers and formations.
The successful trials place Turkey among a small group of countries pursuing advanced crewed-uncrewed teaming capabilities. The technology has the potential to provide a significant advantage on the battlefield, allowing pilots to control multiple aircraft at once and increasing combat effectiveness.
