Pakistan Turns To Turkey To Counter India; Will Purchase Bayraktar Kizilelma Drones

Islamabad: Pakistan may soon acquire Bayraktar Kızılelma drones from Turkey. Indications of this emerged recently following the visit of Pakistan's Chief of Air Staff, Air Chief Marshal Zaheer Babar Sidhu, to Turkey. On May 22, he visited the Baykar Technologies facility in Turkey and was photographed alongside the Bayraktar Kızılelma drone.

Just six months ago, the Bayraktar Kızılelma successfully struck a target using a Beyond-Visual-Range missile. This move is being viewed as a counter to the MQ-9 Reaper drones that India is set to acquire from the United States. The MQ-9 Reaper is the most widely deployed drone in combat zones within the US arsenal.

What Are Pakistan's Ties with Baykar Technologies?

The Pakistan Air Force has long utilized drones manufactured by Turkey's Baykar Technologies. This includes the Bayraktar Akıncı and Bayraktar TB2 drones. Meanwhile, Baykar Technologies has also established a wholly-owned subsidiary in Pakistan, named Baykar Technologies Pakistan. Furthermore, the company has signed a collaborative agreement with the National Aerospace Science and Technology Park (NASTP) to undertake research and development activities.

Has Baykar Established Production Facility in Pakistan?

Baykar Technologies is currently constructing a significant production facility within Pakistan. Additionally, the company is actively conducting recruitment drives to hire engineers locally in Pakistan. Prior to Baykar's current operations at NASTP, the facility was instrumental in the development of the KaGeM V3 short-range air-launched cruise missile. Consequently, it is believed that Baykar Technologies is planning for something far more extensive than a mere assembly line in Pakistan. The most likely scenario involves a joint venture with Pakistan to develop a new drone platform, which could potentially be deployed against India.

What About the Bayraktar Kızılelma Drone?

The Bayraktar Kızılelma drone has the potential to exponentially enhance the operational capabilities of the Pakistan Air Force. It is equipped with advanced sensors, indigenous data links, and domestically developed weaponry. The Kizilelma drone is equipped with Artificial Intelligence (AI) and autonomous flight capabilities. In addition to land bases, it can also be operated from aircraft carriers.
The Bayraktar Kizilelma drone is designed for air-to-air combat. It made history by destroying a jet-powered aerial target using the Gokdogan air-to-air missile. The Kizilelma drone has a maximum speed of approximately Mach 0.9 and can take off with a maximum weight of 8.5 tons. Its payload capacity is 1.5 tons.