Türkiye's KIZILELMA drone achieves historic air-to-air missile first

Türkiye's domestically developed KIZILELMA unmanned combat aircraft has achieved a historic world first in aviation, President Recep Tayyip Erdogan stated on Monday. The milestone, confirmed by developer Baykar, involved the drone successfully striking a jet-powered target with a beyond-visual-range air-to-air missile. President Erdogan framed this technological breakthrough as emblematic of a broader national dynamism across all sectors.

President's Broader Foreign Policy Remarks

Speaking after a Cabinet meeting in the capital Ankara, President Erdogan addressed critical foreign policy issues. He reiterated that full membership in the European Union remains a fundamental strategic objective for Türkiye, despite ongoing challenges in the accession process. His comments underscored Ankara's persistent diplomatic focus on EU integration.

Sharp Warning on Black Sea Escalation

The President issued a stern warning regarding regional security, highlighting recent attacks on commercial vessels. "The Russia-Ukraine war appears to have reached a level that clearly threatens navigation safety in the Black Sea," Erdogan said. He emphasized that assaults on merchant ships within Türkiye's Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) represent a dangerous escalation.

Condemnation of Threats to Maritime Security

President Erdogan stressed that Ankara cannot overlook actions within its EEZ that jeopardize maritime safety, environmental security, and human life. This firm stance positions Türkiye as a key stakeholder demanding stability in the Black Sea, a region of vital economic and strategic importance to the nation.