"In a sense, the Kizilelma expresses a whole new future for combat aviation."
Baykar plans to begin production in small quantities next year. Kizilelma made its first flight in December and began formation flight tests with Baykar's other drones this month.
The craft is ready to begin test flights alongside piloted jets. Deployment on Türkiye's amphibious ship is scheduled for next year.
There is already demand from abroad for the new drone, though its specialised capabilities mean it can be sent to less export markets.
Bayraktar spoke on the sidelines of an aerospace and technology festival organised by his own foundation.
High-profile military projects have figured prominently in Erdoğan's election campaign and Bayraktar said he sees the drone as the culmination of a national aspiration and a product "where we tell the world that our country is not only a player but also a game maker."
