Turkish defense giant ASELSAN has successfully completed the first flight of its MURAD 100-A AESA Fire Control Radar aboard the Bayraktar KIZILELMA Unmanned Combat Aerial Vehicle (UCAV), marking a new milestone in the country’s rapidly advancing defense aviation sector.
The MURAD 100-A radar—a next-generation Active Electronically Scanned Array (AESA) system—enables multi-target detection, tracking, and simultaneous air-to-air and air-to-ground engagement. Its electronic beam steering and Beyond-Visual-Range (BVR) missile guidance capabilities make it a critical component for modern aerial warfare, significantly enhancing both manned and unmanned platform performance.
Integration Timeline and Development
The radar’s first integration took place on the Bayraktar AKINCI UCAV in 2024, with the maiden flight conducted in February 2025. Multiple subsequent test flights validated its detection, tracking, and engagement functions.
Following the successful integration with the KIZILELMA, the radar has now demonstrated operational adaptability across different aircraft platforms, confirming its readiness for deployment. This achievement underscores ASELSAN’s role as a global leader in radar technology and a cornerstone of Turkey’s defense modernization efforts.
Key Features of MURAD 100-A Radar
The MURAD 100-A AESA radar combines cutting-edge design and advanced engineering, offering:
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AESA-based electronic beam steering for agile target acquisition.
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Simultaneous air-to-air and air-to-ground engagement.
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Beyond-Visual-Range missile guidance capability.
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Wide frequency coverage with long-range detection (up to approximately 200 km).
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GaN-based power amplification for high efficiency and durability.
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Digital beam forming at the sub-array level with time-interleaved operation, ensuring precision and reliability in complex combat environments.
These features collectively enable the MURAD 100-A to perform under electronic countermeasures, delivering unmatched situational awareness and combat readiness.
Bayraktar KIZILELMA: Turkey’s Next-Generation Combat Drone
Developed by Baykar, the Bayraktar KIZILELMA (meaning Red Apple) is Turkey’s first jet-powered unmanned fighter aircraft. Designed under the MIUS (Combat Unmanned Aircraft System) program, the KIZILELMA combines stealth characteristics, high maneuverability, and advanced avionics.
Key specifications include:
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Maximum take-off weight: 8.5 tons
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Payload capacity: 1.5 tons
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Speed: up to Mach 0.9
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Operational ceiling: up to 45,000 feet
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Carrier-capable design: suitable for takeoff and landing on amphibious assault ships
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Stealth profile: reduced radar cross-section for low observability
The integration of MURAD 100-A transforms the KIZILELMA into a true unmanned multirole combat aircraft, capable of conducting long-range engagements and electronic warfare missions.
Strategic Significance for Turkey’s Defense Industry
The successful flight of ASELSAN’s MURAD 100-A radar on Bayraktar KIZILELMA represents a major milestone for the Turkish defense ecosystem. It highlights the country’s ability to design and integrate indigenous radar, sensor, and UCAV technologies—reducing reliance on foreign systems and enhancing self-sufficiency.
By combining advanced radar systems with autonomous combat platforms, Turkey is positioning itself as a leader in the global unmanned aerial systems market. This integration strengthens its strategic deterrence and export potential while setting a new benchmark for future fighter-drone collaborations.
