Baykar MIZRAK

History

Baykar MIZRAK is a Turkish intelligent loitering munition developed for long-range strike, reconnaissance, and surveillance missions. The fixed-wing system combines a 40 kg maximum payload with an operational range exceeding 1,000 km and endurance of more than seven hours.

MIZRAK can operate with autonomous navigation and guidance functions, including AI-assisted optical guidance, visual navigation, sensor fusion, and anti-jamming protection. Its payload options include electro-optical or infrared cameras, warheads, and an optional radio-frequency seeker.

The system supports conventional runway operations and rocket-assisted takeoff, allowing deployment from both prepared and less-developed operating locations. Digital data and video links can also connect MIZRAK with Bayraktar TB2, TB3, and AKINCI unmanned aircraft acting as communications relays.

Development and introduction

Baykar developed MIZRAK in Türkiye as part of a new family of long-range unmanned strike systems. The system was publicly revealed in April 2026 ahead of its first exhibition at SAHA 2026 in Istanbul. Live-munition firing tests had also been completed by the time of its introduction.

MIZRAK was presented publicly at SAHA 2026 in May alongside Baykar's K2 Kamikaze UAV and Sivrisinek loitering munition. Its disclosed specifications placed it between smaller tactical loitering munitions and larger unmanned strike aircraft, with a maximum takeoff weight of 200 kg and a payload capacity of 40 kg.

During ADEX 2026 in Baku, held from 30 September to 2 October 2026, Azerbaijan signed the first announced contract for MIZRAK. The agreement formed part of a group of contracts between Azerbaijan and Turkish defense companies. The quantity, delivery schedule, and configuration covered by the MIZRAK contract were not disclosed.

Design

Airframe and propulsion

MIZRAK is a fixed-wing unmanned aircraft with a wingspan of approximately 4 m. It uses an internal-combustion engine driving a pusher propeller. Maximum takeoff weight is 200 kg.

The system can take off conventionally using wheeled landing gear or employ rocket-assisted takeoff. The RATO option allows operation without requiring a fully equipped runway.

Payload and guidance

MIZRAK is offered with two principal weapon configurations. The dual-warhead configuration carries a total of 40 kg of explosives. The alternative configuration combines a 20 kg warhead with an RF seeker for target detection and terminal engagement.

The payload system can also use interchangeable electro-optical or infrared cameras. These sensors support reconnaissance, surveillance, navigation, and target engagement functions. MIZRAK incorporates an AI-assisted optical guidance set and AI-assisted autopilot, together with sensor fusion and visual navigation.

Visual navigation enables the aircraft to continue operating when satellite navigation signals are unavailable or disrupted. Anti-jamming protection is intended to improve resistance to electronic warfare interference.

Communications and autonomy

MIZRAK supports digital data and video links and has a line-of-sight communications range exceeding 70 km. Beyond-line-of-sight communication is available as an option, including satellite communications.

Bayraktar TB2, Bayraktar TB3, and Bayraktar AKINCI aircraft can serve as communications relays for MIZRAK. The system also supports sensor-fusion-assisted fully autonomous operations, allowing missions to continue with reduced dependence on continuous direct control from a ground operator.

Flight performance

MIZRAK has an operational range of more than 1,000 km and endurance exceeding seven hours. Cruise speed is 80 KIAS, while maximum speed is 100 KIAS. The specified service ceiling is 10,000 ft, with an operational altitude of 4,000 ft.

Program status

By October 2026, MIZRAK had progressed from public introduction and testing to its first announced export contract. Azerbaijan became the first disclosed customer when a contract was announced during ADEX 2026. No information was released on ordered quantities, delivery dates, or whether the contracted aircraft had entered Azerbaijani service.

Specifications (MIZRAK)

General characteristics

• Type: Intelligent loitering munition and one-way attack unmanned aerial vehicle
• Maximum takeoff weight: 200 kg
• Payload capacity: 40 kg
• Wingspan: approximately 4 m
• Powerplant: Internal-combustion engine with pusher propeller
• Takeoff: Runway or rocket-assisted takeoff

Performance

• Operational range: more than 1,000 km
• Endurance: more than 7 hours
• Cruise speed: 80 KIAS, approximately 148 km/h
• Maximum speed: 100 KIAS, approximately 185 km/h
• Service ceiling: 10,000 ft, approximately 3,050 m
• Operational altitude: 4,000 ft, approximately 1,220 m
• Line-of-sight communications range: more than 70 km

Payload and guidance

• Dual-warhead configuration: total of 40 kg of explosives
• RF-seeker configuration: 20 kg warhead with RF seeker
• Sensor payload: interchangeable electro-optical or infrared camera
• Guidance: AI-assisted optical guidance, visual navigation, and sensor-fusion-assisted autonomous operation
• Communications: digital data and video link, optional beyond-line-of-sight communications and SATCOM
• Relay compatibility: Bayraktar TB2, TB3, and AKINCI